DESERT STING 16
EDGE Group's 23kg guided glide bomb, ordered by Morocco for its armed drones.
Morocco's armed drones are getting DESERT STING 16 glide bombs under a contract EDGE Group signed at the Marrakech Air Show on 9 October 2026, alongside THUNDER P-31 guidance kits; EDGE gave no value.
Last refreshed: 26 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why is Morocco arming its drones with Emirati glide bombs?
Timeline for DESERT STING 16
Ordered for Moroccan armed drones
Drones: Industry & Defence: EDGE Group sells Morocco drone bombsBackground
On 9 October 2026, at the Marrakech Air Show, Morocco's Administration of National Defence contracted the UAE's EDGE Group for DESERT STING 16 glide bombs, to be carried by the air force's armed drones. The order also covers THUNDER P-31 guidance kits, aircraft integration and long-term support. EDGE disclosed no value.
DESERT STING 16 (DS-16) is a guided glide bomb developed and made in the UAE by EDGE Group. EDGE says it weighs 23 kg, glides up to 15 km, and uses satellite-aided inertial navigation with an optional semi-active laser seeker. Under the contract EDGE will also make the aircraft and software changes Morocco's drone fleets need to carry it; Morocco's fleet includes Turkish-built TB2s.
Morocco chose to Arm drones it already flies rather than buy new aircraft. A second memorandum between the two sides looks at local production of small arms and aero engines.
What is the EDGE DESERT STING 16?
What weapons did Morocco buy from EDGE Group?
Which drones will carry DESERT STING 16 in Morocco?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.