Morocco achieves notable advancements with the introduction of its first Akinci drones

Morocco has recently taken a significant step in its military modernization by receiving its inaugural shipment of Bayraktar Akinci drones from the Turkish defense company Baykar. This development, announced via the Far Maroc Forum on Facebook, represents a substantial advancement in Morocco’s defense capabilities.

The Akinci drones are engineered for high-precision missions, featuring dual AI systems that allow them to remain airborne for up to 24 hours while tracking and engaging multiple targets simultaneously. This capability positions them as a formidable asset for any military.

This delivery signifies more than a mere purchase; it reflects the strengthening military collaboration between Morocco and Turkey, which is altering the regional power landscape. With the addition of the Akinci drones, Morocco is enhancing its air force’s operational capabilities and signaling to neighboring nations its commitment to a more advanced defense strategy.

Furthermore, Morocco plans to elevate its defense capabilities with the establishment of a new military production facility in Ben Slimane. This facility will focus on assembling and producing state-of-the-art drones, marking a pivotal moment in Morocco’s initiative to develop local drone technology. The factory will prioritize the manufacturing of advanced unmanned aerial systems that are currently lacking in the market.

A significant agreement finalized in October 2023, as disclosed in the most recent Official Gazette, underscores Morocco’s dedication to eliminating intermediaries. This new collaboration with Atlas, a Moroccan firm focused on space technologies, aims to enhance the nation’s drone manufacturing capabilities, fostering self-reliance in this vital military domain.

This initiative extends beyond drones; it seeks to transform the domestic defense sector. With ambitions to manufacture up to 1,000 Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones each year, Morocco is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the global drone production market, strengthening its local economy while decreasing reliance on international suppliers.

The Bayraktar Akinci, created by the Turkish company Baykar, is a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for a diverse range of missions, including air-to-ground and air-to-air combat, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and command-control operations. With its substantial payload capacity and sophisticated avionics, the Akinci marks a significant advancement in drone technology compared to its predecessor, the Bayraktar TB2.

The Akinci drone is available in several variants, each customized for specific operational requirements, featuring notable differences in engine performance and payload configurations. The initial variant, commonly known as the Akinci-A, is powered by two Ukrainian-made Ivchenko Progress AI-450T turboprop engines, delivering a combined output of 900 horsepower. This model is engineered to strike a balance between endurance, payload, and operational effectiveness.

The Akinci-B model was subsequently launched, featuring enhanced American/Canadian Pratt & Whitney PT6-135A turboprop engines, each providing 750 horsepower, resulting in a total output of 1,500 horsepower. This upgrade markedly improves the drone’s capabilities, enabling increased speed, endurance, and payload capacity. The Akinci-B has been prominently displayed during various test firings, demonstrating its capacity to engage targets at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet using a diverse range of munitions.

The latest iteration, the Akinci-C, further elevates performance with two engines producing 850 horsepower each, thereby expanding the drone’s potential in terms of flight duration, altitude, and combat effectiveness.

Regarding its equipment and capabilities, the Akinci drones are fitted with advanced systems. They feature dual artificial intelligence avionics that enhance signal processing, sensor fusion, and situational awareness.

The drone can be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for air-to-air engagements, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground moving target indication (GMTI) radar, and wide-area surveillance systems. Additionally, it includes electronic warfare (EW) and signal intelligence (SIGINT) suites, enabling both offensive and defensive electronic operations.

In terms of armament, the Akinci can carry a significant payload, with an internal capacity of 881 pounds (400 kg) and an external capacity of 2,094 pounds (950 kg), allowing for a total combat load of up to 2,976 pounds (1,350 kg). It can be equipped with various munitions, including precision-guided missiles such as the MAM-L, MAM-C, and MAM-T from Roketsan, along with the Cirit and L-UMTAS missiles.

The drone is equipped to deploy precision-guided munitions, including the MK-81, MK-82, and MK-83 bombs, as well as various laser and satellite-guided systems such as the LGK-82 and HGK-82. Notably, the Akinci stands out as one of the pioneering drones capable of launching air-launched cruise missiles like the SOM-A, which significantly enhances its operational range and strategic significance.

Equipped with advanced satellite communication systems, the drone facilitates beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations, allowing for control and data transmission over extensive distances. This capability further strengthens its strategic deployment across diverse operational theaters.

The Akinci has been successfully integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces and has been actively utilized in various missions, including counter-terrorism operations and strategic reconnaissance tasks.

Its export potential has gained traction, with nations such as Morocco and Burkina Faso expressing interest or already incorporating the drone into their military forces, underscoring its versatility and the increasing global demand for advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technologies.

In conclusion, the Bayraktar Akinci is a significant asset in contemporary aerial warfare, with its sophisticated models and capabilities offering performance that can compete with manned combat aircraft in specific scenarios, thereby transforming the landscape of military operations with drones taking a central role.