The industrial collaboration between Morocco and Turkish manufacturer Baykar Technologies is entering a pivotal phase. The construction of a drone production facility in Benslimane is advancing swiftly. This city has also been selected by Lockheed Martin for its plant dedicated to the maintenance and modernization of the Royal Armed Forces' F-16 and C-130 Hercules aircraft. Emerging from a strategic agreement signed in December 2024, the plant is anticipated to be operational by 2026. «It will specialize in the manufacturing and maintenance of next-generation drones, specifically tailored to meet the operational needs of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). This initiative goes beyond merely replicating drone models already acquired by Morocco; it represents a significant technological leap that will serve as a milestone for the national military industry», a source familiar with the matter told Yabiladi. Diverging from the Bayraktar TB2 models currently in service, the new drones produced in Morocco will feature enhanced capabilities in autonomy, stealth, and the integration of smart weapon systems. Baykar's establishment is a part of Morocco's ongoing strategy for industrial sovereignty, which has been actively pursued in the aerospace and defense sectors for several years. This initiative complements projects developed with Lockheed Martin and Thales. «The objective is to create a comprehensive national ecosystem, capable of designing, producing, and maintaining high-tech military equipment on Moroccan soil», the same source added.
