Rabat — Morocco has taken a major step to tighten its borders and improve security after the General Directorate for National Security (DGSN) announced in its annual report plans to buy 26 advanced drones to tackle drug smuggling, human trafficking, and irregular immigration.
Drones are a modern surveillance system designed to monitor large areas and track real-time suspicious movements. These high-tech tools will also be key in securing big events, including international sports competitions.
Police officers are being trained to operate the drones and analyze the visual data they collect.
Morocco faces growing challenges at its borders, which serve as a gateway between Africa and Europe.
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Smuggling and trafficking networks are a constant threat. According to the DGSN, the drones will help security forces patrol remote areas that are hard to reach faster and more efficiently.
Morocco has been working closely with leading nations in the drone industry. The North African kingdom has agreed a defence pact with Israel in 2021, covering intelligence and cooperation in military industries and procurement.
Earlier this year, Morocco purchased Israeli kamikaze drones and is also set to acquire a spy satellite from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in a $1 billion deal.
IAI, which makes some of Israel’s most advanced drones and missile defense systems, will supply the Ofek 13 spy satellite that will replace two Airbus and Thales satellites.
Launched last year on March 29, Israel’s Ofek-13 represents a significant leap in reconnaissance technology. The satellite uses synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology to deliver high-resolution imagery regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
By acquiring this satellite, Morocco is on track to enhance its intelligence capabilities and secure its borders more tightly.
