With a growing partnership with Turkey, Morocco is asserting itself as a rising force in North Africa’s aerospace and defense sectors. The establishment of Atlas Defense, a subsidiary of the Turkish defense giant Baykar, in Rabat signals a significant milestone for the kingdom. This move fits into Morocco’s ambition to develop a robust industrial and technological ecosystem centered around key cities like Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat. However, questions remain regarding the scale and nature of upcoming investments.
Atlas Defense: A new contender in African defense
Founded on October 2, 2024, Atlas Defense is registered under Rabat’s commercial registry as entity number 182219, with an initial capital of 2.5 million dirhams. Led by Lütfü Haluk Bayraktar and Selçuk Bayraktar—visionaries behind Baykar—the company focuses on manufacturing technology for the aerospace and defense industries. Early reports suggest that the subsidiary could become a cornerstone of Baykar’s African operations, with a particular emphasis on military drones.
However, the specifics of the project remain under wraps. The central question: will Morocco become home to a full-scale drone manufacturing plant, similar to Baykar’s projects in Ukraine and Azerbaijan? Or will Atlas Defense serve primarily as a logistical and technical support hub?
Next-gen drone fleet enhances Moroccan defense
Morocco’s defense capabilities have been significantly boosted through its growing collaboration with Baykar. The kingdom already operates Bayraktar TB2 drones and has reportedly procured an additional fleet of 20 equipped with satellite communication systems. There are also plans to acquire Bayraktar Akıncı drones—Baykar’s strategic heavy-duty UAVs. This heightened cooperation underscores the deepening military ties between Rabat and Ankara.
Challenges ahead for local drone production
While a drone manufacturing facility in Morocco could revolutionize its defense sector, the path ahead is complex. “Producing military drones involves stringent export regulations, certification protocols, and compliance with international standards,” notes an expert interviewed by Barlamane.com. Morocco’s legal framework will likely need to evolve to accommodate the demands of such a specialized industry.
On the industrial side, Morocco already hosts global players like Boeing, Airbus, and Safran, which provide a foundation for high-tech manufacturing. However, drone assembly requires specialized infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. Developing this talent and creating an efficient supply chain will be essential to the success of this initiative.
Baykar’s proven global expansion model
Baykar’s international strategy has demonstrated its adaptability to local markets. In Ukraine, the company is constructing a large drone production plant, while in Azerbaijan, it has formed a strong partnership with the country’s military. This dual approach—locating production closer to key clients and leveraging host countries’ economic advantages—has become a hallmark of Baykar’s global operations.
For Morocco, adopting this model could strengthen its role as a technology hub in North Africa. “If the Ukrainian or Azerbaijani model is replicated, Morocco could become a key player in Africa’s defense alliances,” an industry analyst suggests.
A shift in North African defense alliances
The establishment of Atlas Defense reflects a broader strategy in which Turkey seeks to cement its position as a leading defense partner in Africa. This move positions Turkey alongside traditional powerhouses like the U.S., France, and Russia in the region. For Morocco, the deal presents a golden opportunity to diversify its defense partnerships while enhancing its technological autonomy.
The project’s success will hinge on multiple factors: diplomatic negotiations, infrastructure investments, and Morocco’s ability to overcome industrial challenges. For now, however, the launch of Atlas Defense opens up exciting prospects for the kingdom’s aerospace and military industries.
