Morocco, as one of the leading defense spending countries in North Africa, is making significant investments in the defense industry. Recent news of the delivery of the AKINCI TİHA (Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) produced by Baykar to Morocco reveals the country’s efforts to increase its defense capacity. Although no official statement has yet been made regarding the delivery, according to information in the Moroccan media, the AKINCI TİHA is one of the state-of-the-art defense systems delivered to Morocco.
Morocco's Strengthening Defense Relations with Baykar
Morocco has previously started using Baykar-made Bayraktar TB2 S/UAVs, and this system has played an important role in the country's defense strategy. Morocco's need for more powerful defense tools against its regional rival Algeria has increased, especially due to problems in the Western Sahara region. Morocco, which prefers NATO-compatible weapon systems, has significantly strengthened its air force with the S/UAVs it purchased from Baykar.
However, AKINCI TİHA is seen as a broader step towards Morocco’s needs in the field of defense. With its improved capabilities and operational capacity, AKINCI offers much more offensive power and longer range than Bayraktar TB2. This stands out as a system that provides greater strategic advantages for Morocco.
AKINCI TİHA and Morocco's Defense Needs
Morocco’s interest in the AKINCI TİHA may be due to the difficulties it has experienced in the procurement of its previously preferred MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs. Morocco wanted to purchase the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs during the Trump administration of the US administration, but no progress was made in this regard during the Biden administration. The AKINCI TİHA has become an attractive option for Morocco due to its more affordable cost compared to the MQ-9B SeaGuardian.
While Morocco draws attention with its investments in defense spending, it is making decisions to increase air defense, especially in ensuring security at its borders. The AKINCI TİHA produced by Baykar is considered an important tool to meet Morocco's defense needs with its features such as high carrying capacity, long range and advanced ammunition usage.
Baykar's Global Investment Strategy
Baykar is not only drawing attention with its successes in Turkey, but also with its investments abroad. Having established production facilities in countries such as Azerbaijan and Ukraine, Baykar is on the agenda with claims regarding its plans to manufacture in Morocco. The production facility in Morocco could be an important step for Baykar to increase its strategic influence in Africa. In addition, claims that a production facility would be opened in Mongolia were also reflected in the press during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s visit to Turkey in recent weeks.
The AKINCI TİHA deliveries to Morocco are considered another development that reinforces Baykar’s place in the international defense industry. These deliveries are an important milestone that ensures Turkey’s success in the defense industry is recognized worldwide.
AKINCI TİHA's Contribution to Morocco
AKINCI TİHA is attracting great attention as one of Baykar’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. The delivery of this aircraft, which can take off without rolling and operate in all weather conditions, stands out as one of Morocco’s strategic moves to ensure regional security. In particular, the use of larger, more powerful and more advanced systems to replace S/UAVs indicates a significant change in Morocco’s defense strategy.
Baykar's Rising Influence in Africa
Baykar's products are increasingly preferred on the African continent. Baykar's Bayraktar TB2 S/UAVs are used not only by Morocco, but also by countries such as Liberia, Togo and Chad. The impact of AKINCI TİHA on the African market will become clear in the coming years. However, Baykar's influence on the defense market in Africa is already growing.
Morocco’s inclusion of the Baykar-made AKINCI TİHA into its inventory will not only strengthen defense relations between the two countries, but will also play an important role in Morocco’s strategic moves in the region. Baykar’s AKINCI TİHA and other defense systems continue to be an important factor in Turkey’s defense industry being recognized globally. In particular, the Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI TİHA systems supplied by Morocco will greatly increase the country’s air defense capacity and contribute to regional security.
