In a significant move for its defense industry, Israel Aerospace Industries’ subsidiary, BlueBird Aero Systems, has established a production facility in Benslimane, located in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. This new site will be dedicated to manufacturing the SpyX loitering munitions, thus making Morocco the first country in both North Africa and the Middle East, apart from Israel, to produce these advanced kamikaze drones.
This initiative is part of a larger technology transfer program aimed at training Moroccan engineers in the assembly and maintenance of the munitions, which local media outlets have reported. The SpyX drone is described as a precision tactical aircraft with capabilities to engage targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, and troop formations from distances of up to fifty kilometers. This drone can carry a 2.5-kilogram (6-pound) warhead, reach maximum speeds of 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour, and perform autonomous missions lasting up to 90 minutes.
Moroccan military forces have already tested the SpyX successfully in March 2024, indicating the system’s readiness and potential integration into national defense operations.
The establishment of the Benslimane factory represents a pivotal step in Morocco’s broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities and develop strategic partnerships in defense. In addition to collaborating with BlueBird Aero Systems, the Moroccan government is actively working with other international players such as Turkey’s Baykar and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Maroc to create drone production hubs. Furthermore, Morocco is enhancing its defense infrastructure through acquisitions from the United States, particularly focusing on support for Abrams main battle tanks.
To reinforce these ambitions, Morocco has notably increased its defense budget, setting it at approximately $15.7 billion for 2026. This budgetary increment underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities, achieving technological self-reliance, and forming a regional military production network. As Morocco continues to evolve its defense industry and expand its partnerships, the implications for regional security dynamics are expected to be profound.
