Morocco has received the first units of Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), local news sites reported late Monday, citing a military news-specialized online forum.
The deliveries began Sept. 17, the media reports said, as confirmed by the Far-Maroc forum.
The rest of the units are set to be delivered gradually within the framework of a deal that was said to be signed between Morocco and the Turkish manufacturer Baykar in April.
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) ordered a total of 13 such drones, according to the reports.
It was also reported that a number of FAR personnel attended a training program in Turkey in July.
The deal comes during regional tensions and at a time the Maghreb country – heavily dependent on United States armament – has been modernizing its army by striking deals with several countries including France.
The country was already using French Heron drones and is set to introduce both the U.S.’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian and the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV.
While the North African country has previously used drones for surveillance purposes, recent developments and agreements show that it might ready the air force to use combat drones in air-to-ground operations.
