Morocco set to acquire Türkiye's Akinci drone.

Morocco is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Turkey for the acquisition of the Akinci armed drone, manufactured by Turkish company Baykar. If this deal materializes, it will signify a major step in bolstering Morocco's military capabilities, particularly in aerial warfare.

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 The Akinci would be the second drone that Morocco acquires from Turkey, following the Bayraktar TB2, which was integrated into the Moroccan Air Force in 2021 (Picture source: Baykar )

The Akinci would be the second drone that Morocco acquires from Turkey, following the Bayraktar TB2, which was integrated into the Moroccan Air Force in 2021. However, the Akinci is a far more advanced system, boasting a maximum payload of 1,500 kg compared to the Bayraktar TB2's 150 kg.

The Akinci is equipped with a diverse range of weapon systems, including the ability to launch air-launched ballistic missiles via the TRG-230 Kaplan missile. These missiles pose a significant challenge to air defense systems due to their speed and trajectory. The drone is also capable of carrying out deep-strike missions with a variety of munitions, including SOM cruise missiles and Tolun bombs.

Akinci will be the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of launching an Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). Other munitions expected to be used on the Akinci include Roketsan’s Cirit laser-guided missile, the laser-guided long-range anti-tank missile (L-UMTAS), Bozok munitions, and various air-to-air and standoff missiles developed with resources from Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Council’s Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (Tübitak Sage).

The drone has a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 5.5 tons, with 1,350 kg (approximately 2,976 pounds) of this being payload (400 kg internal and 950 kg external). The Akinci also comes with advanced electronic warfare capabilities, ranging from electronic intelligence to jamming air defense and communication systems. The drone can also be employed in anti-ship operations thanks to the CAKIR cruise missile, which has a range of 150 km and significant anti-surface capabilities.

The potential acquisition of the Akinci by Morocco could have major implications for the balance of power in the region. Classified as a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) combat drone, the Akinci could significantly extend Morocco's strike range and firepower.