# Morocco acquires 001K “Scorpion” drone from China

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/03/morocco-acquires-001k-scorpion-drone-from-china/
- Published: 2025-03-11T17:44:01+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

Morocco has acquired Chinese-made TB-001K “Scorpion” reconnaissance and attack drones
as part of ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and strengthen 
ties with Beijing.

Developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Innovation Co., the unmanned aerial vehicle(
UAV) features dual engines and a twin-tail design, significantly enhancing its maneuverability.

The drone also boasts an impressive operational range of up to 6,000 kilometers (
3,728 miles) and can remain airborne for up to 35 hours.

ADVERTISEMENT

Additionally, it can carry up to 1,200 kilograms (2,646 pounds) of light missiles
and bombs, enabling it to support a wide range of combat operations.

Once delivered, the Scorpion drones are expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s
strike capabilities, especially as the country faces growing regional security challenges.

ADVERTISEMENT

The quantity, contract value, and delivery timeline remain undisclosed.

Morocco’s drone fleet has proven to be a formidable force in military operations
across the Sahara, relentlessly targeting and neutralizing separatist Polisario 
Front infiltrations, and ensuring an unyielding grip over the buffer zones.

According to our **[Drone Procurement Data,](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/complete-african-drone-procurement-data1980-2024/)**
Morocco has the second largest fleet of military UAVs in Africa, after Egypt, With
223 aircraft in service as of 2023.

Diverse Defense Suppliers
Morocco, ranked 59th in military power by the Global Firepower
Institute, has been a consistent buyer of Chinese-made defense systems.

The ongoing relationship has seen Morocco acquire various Chinese defense systems,
including the [Sky Dragon 50 long-range air defense system](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/morocco-receives-chinese-fd-2000b-air-defense-missile-system/),
AR2 multiple rocket launchers, [FD-2000B air defense missile system](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/morocco-receives-chinese-fd-2000b-air-defense-missile-system/),
and [HJ-9A anti-tank missile systems.](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/morocco-fields-chinese-hj-9a-red-arrow-9anti-tank-missile-system/)

In 2022, the Royal Moroccan Army [selected the Wing Loong II](https://www.military.africa/2022/10/morocco-acquires-wing-loong-ii-drones-from-china/)
medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV for its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance
needs.

The Wing Loong II UAVs, like the TB-001, are another cornerstone of Morocco’s unmanned
aerial capabilities. These drones are capable of conducting both reconnaissance 
and strike missions and have been used for surveillance over Morocco’s southern 
border, particularly in areas where regional separatist groups remain active.

Morocco’s military modernization efforts extend beyond drones. The country is reportedly
in advanced discussions with Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC) regarding
the [potential acquisition of L-15 Falcon fighter aircraft ](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/morocco-seeks-to-replace-aging-alpha-jet-with-chinese-l-15/)
to replace its aging fleet of Franco-German Alpha jets.

Additionally, the Royal Moroccan Navy purchased the [Chinese HJ-9A anti-tank missile system](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/morocco-fields-chinese-hj-9a-red-arrow-9anti-tank-missile-system/),
also known as Red Arrow 9A, to strengthen its ability to target armored vehicles
and fortified structures.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite its close defense ties with China, Morocco maintains a diverse set of defense
suppliers.

Last month, the country[ received Bayraktar Akinci ](https://www.military.africa/2025/02/morocco-receives-turkish-bayraktar-akinci-drones/)
drones from Turkey as part of an acquisition deal signed in 2023. This was after
it [received Bayraktar TB2s](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/morocco-took-delivery-of-bayraktar-tb2-drones-in-2024-baykar/)
in January.

In 2022, Morocco also [procured](https://www.military.africa/2022/10/israel-sells-150-wanderb-and-thunderb-drones-to-morocco/)
150 vertical takeoff and landing drones from Israel in a deal reportedly worth “
tens of millions of dollars.”

Likewise, in 2020, the Trump-administration [approved](https://www.military.africa/2020/12/trump-push-1-billion-mq-9b-drone-precision-munition-sale-to-morocco/)
the sale of four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone to Rabat before leaving office.

The latest purchase reflects the North African country’s strategic approach to reducing
dependence on traditional Western suppliers while maintaining a diverse array of
defense partnerships.

### _Related_