IAI unit opens suicide drone production plant in Morocco – report

Blue Bird Aero Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has opened a suicide drone production facility in Morocco, Defense Post reported. The factory in Benslimane on the outskirts of Casablanca will manufacture SpyX loitering munitions and will be the first facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa outside of Israel.

The SpyX loitering munition carries a 2.5 kg warhead, reaches a speed of up to 250 kilometers per hour, and can conduct autonomous missions for up to 90 minutes. The Israeli-developed suicide drone is designed to hit tanks, armored vehicles and bases. The Moroccan army tested it in March 2024, and the establishment of the new factory comes within the framework of the country’s ambition to increase its defense independence. As part of the project, Moroccan engineers will be trained to carry out local assembly and maintenance.

The Moroccan defense budget rises to a historic level

Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Morocco has become a major target for Israeli defense industries. Expanding cooperation with Israeli companies comes at the expense of the country’s activities with France. In July last year, Morocco chose to purchase the IAI Ofek 13 satellites instead of those owned by its previous French suppliers, Airbus and Thales.

In February 2025, Morocco reportedly purchased 36 Atmos units from Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems. This system includes a howitzer capable of firing all NATO-approved 155 mm shells and projectiles, which has an effective range of more than 40 kilometers with standard projectiles, and also provides extended range with rocket projectiles. Morocco has reportedly purchased Barak 8 air defense systems from IAI and Rafael Spyder.

This shows how Israeli weapons have become an integral part of the Moroccan army. In August, Morocco completed a successful test of “Elbit” and “Extra” guided missiles manufactured by IAI, as part of a training exercise conducted in the southeast of the country, according to the Moroccan “MWN” website. The missiles have a caliber of 306 mm, a range of 150 kilometers, and the warhead weighs 120 kilograms.

The test took place about two years after Morocco became another customer for Elbit’s PULS systems, in a $150 million deal with delivery by 2026. The PULS system is a system that provides a comprehensive solution, capable of launching unguided missiles, precision munitions and missiles at different ranges. The launcher is fully compatible with existing platforms, both wheeled and tracked, allowing a significant reduction in maintenance and training costs, while being able to hit targets at a maximum range of 300 km. According to the report, one of the additional missiles, already used by countries such as Azerbaijan, reached the maximum range and hit the target.

During the reign of King Mohammed VI, Morocco significantly increased its investments in the field of defense in general, and drones in particular. Morocco’s defense budget for 2026 has risen to a historic level of $15.7 billion, with the aim of increasing procurement. Among other things, Morocco purchased advanced American Abrams tanks.

Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on November 16, 2025.

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