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Royal Moroccan Air Force
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Royal Moroccan Air Force

Morocco's air Arm; flies Turkish-built Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, now getting Emirati guided bombs.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force's drones will drop Emirati glide bombs: EDGE Group agreed on 9 October 2026 to supply DESERT STING 16 bombs, THUNDER P-31 guidance kits and long-term support. EDGE disclosed no value.

Last refreshed: 26 October 2026

Key Question

Morocco's air force bought Emirati bombs for Turkish drones; what changes over Western Sahara?

Timeline for Royal Moroccan Air Force

#19 9 Oct

EDGE Group sells Morocco drone bombs

Drones: Industry & Defence
View full timeline →

Background

The Royal Moroccan Air Force's armed drones are to carry Emirati weapons. On 9 October 2026 EDGE Group of the United Arab Emirates agreed with Morocco's defence administration to supply DESERT STING 16 glide bombs and THUNDER P-31 kits, plus integration and long-term support. EDGE disclosed no value.

EDGE named no airframe, but Baykar confirmed in January 2025 that it had delivered Bayraktar TB2 drones to Morocco, first ordered in 2021. Hespress, citing the Spanish site Defensa, reported in June 2026 that satellite images show Baykar Akinci drones at the Sixth Air Base in Ben Guerir, operating alongside the TB2s.

The EDGE deal gives Turkish-built drones Emirati precision munitions. Moroccan drone strikes in Western Sahara, the territory Morocco disputes with the Polisario Front, appear as allegations in an October 2023 UN report.

Common Questions
What drones does the Royal Moroccan Air Force fly?
Turkish-built Bayraktar TB2s, whose delivery Baykar confirmed in January 2025. Hespress reported in June 2026 that Akinci drones also operate from Ben Guerir.Source: Hespress
What did Morocco buy from EDGE Group for its drones?
DESERT STING 16 guided glide bombs and THUNDER P-31 guidance kits, with integration and support, under a contract signed on 9 October 2026. No value was disclosed.Source: EDGE Group
Where are Morocco's Akinci drones based?
At the Sixth Air Base in Ben Guerir, according to satellite imagery reported by Hespress and Defensa in June 2026. Morocco has not confirmed the base.Source: Hespress
Source Material

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.