Benslimane, Future Hub of Morocco’s Defense Industry: Baykar and BlueBird Projects Unveiled

The project to produce Israeli drones in Morocco is entering a concrete phase. The company BlueBird Aero Systems announced that it had hosted a Moroccan technical team at its facilities for intensive training, ahead of the imminent launch of a production line for "Spy‑X" kamikaze drones in Benslimane.

In a LinkedIn post, Israeli drone manufacturer BlueBird Aero Systems confirmed the visit of Moroccan technicians: "We were delighted to welcome our Moroccan client’s technical team to our facilities for an in‑depth learning session on our drone production process," the company stated.

This visit is part of a technology transfer (ToT) program. The training, combining theoretical and hands‑on sessions, is designed to prepare Moroccan teams for the launch of the "Spy‑X installation and production program in Morocco – the country’s first local manufacturing line of its kind".

This announcement confirms that the project goes beyond simple acquisition, aiming to equip Morocco with genuine industrial capacity in this cutting‑edge sector.

The industrial project will likely extend beyond "Spy‑X." According to informed sources, the objective is to manufacture a range of drones in Morocco, not only to meet the needs of the Royal Armed Forces but also for export to the African market.

Baykar–Morocco partnership: Benslimane’s future factory to deliver a high‑tech “dedicated product”

The partnership between Morocco and Turkish defense giant Baykar has also reached a decisive stage. With financing finalized, the factory project is now taking shape.

Contrary to expectations, the future production unit in Benslimane will not be limited to assembling TB2 or Akıncı drones. Instead, it will manufacture a product developed primarily for Morocco, delivering high added value and significant export potential, according to our military consultant.

Benslimane, emerging hub of military aeronautics

The choice of location is no coincidence. The factory will be built in Benslimane, a locality expected to become a major hub for defense aeronautics. Its proximity to the Royal Air Forces’ logistics support airbase makes it a strategic site, fostering synergies and enhancing operational efficiency.

The most strategic aspect of this project lies in the nature of its production. The factory will not be a mere assembly line for the well‑known TB2 or Akıncı drones. Instead, it will be dedicated to manufacturing a specific product tailored to Morocco’s needs. This system, which "can be employed through the TB2 or the Akıncı," will demand a very high level of technical skills, training, and expertise.

Although details remain confidential, it is highly likely that the project involves an intelligent munitions system or an offensive drone, given the reference to an "explosive charge." This direction underscores Morocco’s ambition to master cutting‑edge technologies rather than remain confined to assembly.

This rise in expertise is already tangible. Moroccan teams have completed specialized training at Baykar’s industrial facilities in Turkey, as shown in photos and videos released a few months ago. This transfer of know‑how is essential to "raising the level of Morocco’s military aeronautical ecosystem".

A new era for Morocco’s defense industry

These two projects are part of a broader vision of Morocco’s industrial rise, particularly in the defense sector. They mark a clear departure from traditional aeronautical activities, as Morocco now positions itself in high‑tech segments and value creation.

Partnerships with Baykar and BlueBird will elevate the Moroccan aeronautical ecosystem to a new level. They herald a new phase, driven by the ambition to see, in the medium and long term, defense products "developed through Moroccan expertise".