Morocco’s Police Introduce Eight-Category Drone Fleet at DGSN Open Days

Marrakech – Morocco’s national police force has put its expanding drone capabilities at the center of its seventh annual Open Days event, revealing a fleet of eight distinct categories of unmanned aerial vehicles now integrated into daily security operations across the country.

The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) opened the event on May 18 in Rabat, where a dedicated drone police pavilion offered the public a firsthand look at the aircraft and the surveillance infrastructure behind them. The event, originally scheduled to run through May 22, has been extended to May 24 due to high public turnout.

The fleet ranges from compact devices small enough to fit in a hand to heavier units weighing several kilograms. Some are equipped with artificial intelligence. Others carry gyroscopic lights, spotlights, loudspeakers, security parachutes, or launchers. Each category serves a specific operational need – from thermal detection and closed-space intervention to aerial footage of official ceremonies, nighttime operations, and the broadcast of audio messages from the air.

Divisional Commissioner Mohamed Mrabet, head of a central division at the DGSN, told Morocco’s state news agency MAP that the drone program is the product of a comprehensive security project launched in 2015 under the joint authority of the DGSN and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI.

Mrabet said drones have already been deployed at major national, continental, and international events. He cited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the International Agriculture Fair (SIAM), GITEX Africa, and the 93rd session of Interpol’s General Assembly as examples.

“These deployments have allowed the national security services to accumulate recognized field expertise,” Mrabet told MAP. He added that the experience is also preparing Morocco for upcoming global events, primarily the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

To keep pace with growing operational demands, the DGSN has upgraded its central drone teams into a full central service under the Directorate of Public Safety.

Regional drone teams have also been established across all decentralized security commands nationwide. Specialized trainers have been appointed, and the DGSN has adopted a continuous training approach while maintaining cooperation with leading countries in the field through international police partnerships.

Beyond large-scale event security, drones now serve several other functions. They are used to combat irregular migration, particularly in hard-to-access areas, providing broad aerial coverage and enabling faster, more precise interventions.

In traffic enforcement, drones track fleeing drivers who fail to comply with police orders, allowing units on the ground to locate and intercept them within legal procedures. They also serve as a flexible alternative to traditional patrols in urban spaces, freeing up human resources for other tasks.

Drones as the new backbone of Morocco’s security operations

One of the headline reveals at this year’s Open Days was a reconnaissance drone entirely designed and manufactured in Morocco. The aircraft is the result of a joint development effort between the DGSN and the DGST, built for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering missions. It features vertical takeoff and landing capability, allowing it to operate in complex environments without a runway.

The drone has an operational range of up to 1,200 kilometers and is equipped with a secure satellite link, ensuring continuous data transmission to command centers even over very long distances. Its technical specifications place it on par with international standards.

For both institutions, the project marks a turning point – Morocco is no longer solely importing security technology but now developing its own strategic solutions, drawing on the growing expertise of its engineers and technical specialists.

The drone pavilion was not the only attraction. The DGSN also introduced “Madar,” a new urban security patrol vehicle equipped with digital cameras and connected to centralized security databases. It joins the “Amane” smart patrol, first presented at last year’s edition in El Jadida. The Amane vehicle features a 360-degree camera system, onboard drones, automatic license plate readers, and facial recognition tools.

On the digital front, Principal Police Commissioner Loubna Kikou told MAP that four new services will soon launch through the “Epolice.ma” portal. These include “e-fourrière,” a tool allowing citizens to locate impounded vehicles by entering a license plate number, and a tracking system for residency certificate processing. A digital copy of the national ID card, downloadable via the “Mon e-ID” app, was also announced.

The DGSN’s command and coordination room, operated around the clock, drew significant visitor interest as well. Divisional Commander Yassine Zahrour described it as the “beating heart” of police operations, overseeing real-time video surveillance, managing the emergency “19” hotline, and coordinating field units including motorcycle brigades and judicial police.

The extension of the Open Days to May 24 came after authorities received numerous requests from citizens seeking weekend access to the Rabat venue.