Turkish drone maker Baykar to build factory in Morocco’s Benslimane

Turkish defense manufacturer Baykar would establish a drone production facility in Benslimane, Morocco, marking a major step in the country’s ambitions to develop its military and aerospace industry, Moroccan outlet Le Desk reported.

The announcement follows months of speculation and was formalized through the creation of a Moroccan subsidiary, Atlas Defense, headquartered in Rabat.

The new plant will focus on manufacturing, design, and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), alongside the development of electronic, optical, and mechanical systems for defense applications, including surveillance and reconnaissance.

Baykar, best known for its Bayraktar TB2 drones, has already supplied Morocco with several units since 2021, reinforcing the Royal Armed Forces’ capabilities in the Sahara region.

Industry sources suggest the facility could eventually produce advanced models such as the Akıncı and Kızılelma stealth UCAV, positioning Morocco as a regional hub for drone technology. The investment is expected to create local jobs, transfer technical know-how, and strengthen defense ties between Rabat and Ankara.

Morocco’s military modernization drive has accelerated in recent years, with defense spending surpassing MAD 133 billion (around $13 billion) in 2025.

Baykar’s move comes amid growing demand for UAVs across Africa and the Middle East, and aligns with Morocco’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports while expanding its defense industry footprint.