# Baykar to establish drone manufacturing facility in Morocco

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/01/baykar-to-establish-drone-manufacturing-facility-in-morocco/
- Published: 2025-01-30T21:19:04+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is set to expand its global footprint by establishing
a production facility in Morocco. Following successful ventures in Azerbaijan, Ukraine,
and Mongolia, Morocco has been chosen as the next location for Baykar’s international
production.

According to Morocco-based news agency _Le Desk,_ the new facility will enhance 
Baykar’s presence in the African UAV and UCAV market. The company is a prominent
player on the continent, and this move is expected to strengthen its standing even
further. Morocco is already a customer of Baykar, having acquired the Bayraktar 
TB2 armed drones.

**Benefits of Local Production**

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Setting up production in Morocco means existing African customers can receive drone
deliveries more swiftly, reducing transition times. The proximity of the manufacturing
facility could also attract new clients, as Baykar will be geographically closer
than many of its competitors.

Beyond business advantages, the facility is anticipated to bolster Turkish-Moroccan
relations by creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy. While
foreign military sales typically involve government-to-government interactions, 
establishing a manufacturing presence can positively influence public opinion and
foster deeper ties between nations.

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**Morocco’s Growing Drone Fleet**

In October 2021, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) received the first batch 
of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, following an order placed in April of that
year. The initial unmanned aircraft arrived in September. These drones were likely
[delivered](https://www.military.africa/2021/10/morocco-receiving-bayraktar-tb2-drones/)
via a Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 transport aircraft, which was spotted travelling
to the Baykar Training and Test facility at Çorlu Airport in northeastern Turkey.

The [$70 million contract](https://www.military.africa/2021/10/morocco-receiving-bayraktar-tb2-drones/military.africa/2021/04/morocco-orders-13-bayraktar-tb2-uav)
included the supply of 13 Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs),
aiming to enhance Morocco’s air power in counterinsurgency operations. Local sources
confirmed the deal in August 2023, and deliveries of these advanced UAVs are scheduled
to begin in February 2025. As part of the contract agreement, Morocco will receive
four ground stations, a configurable simulation system, and a digital system for
tracking and storing information. Also, a drone operations center will be set up
in Moroccan airbases.

Also, Moroccan military personnel received training, logistical and technical support
from Turkey. The Moroccan UAV personnel [completed their training in September in Turkey,](https://www.military.africa/2021/10/morocco-receiving-bayraktar-tb2-drones/military.africa/2021/09/bayraktar-tb2-moroccan-drone-pilots-completes-training-in-turkey)
ahead of the planned delivery of the Bayraktar TB2 drones.

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Reports from late last year indicate that Morocco is also in [discussions to acquire](https://www.military.africa/2024/11/morocco-acquiring-akinci-drone-from-turkey/)
Baykar’s more advanced Bayraktar Akıncı drones. If finalized, this acquisition would
further strengthen the country’s unmanned capabilities and deepen the defence collaboration
between Turkey and Morocco.

Baykar’s decision to establish a manufacturing facility in Morocco signifies a strategic
move to solidify its position in the African defense market. The facility will not
only serve Morocco but potentially supply drones to other countries in the region.
This expansion aligns with Baykar’s goal to be a leading global provider of unmanned
systems.

For Morocco, hosting the production facility enhances its technological infrastructure
and supports its ambition to modernize its military assets. The collaboration with
Turkey reflects a broader trend of strengthening defence ties and leveraging advanced
technology to address security challenges.

Meanwhile, Baykar is building a drone manufacturing facility near Kyiv, Ukraine.
The facility is expected to produce up to 120 drones per year, and could create 
around 500 jobs. 

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