Developments in armament and military industry in the Kingdom of Morocco

[The SC]

The Moroccan WhAP 8×8 armored vehicle makes its debut with an Israeli turret, a 30 mm cannon and SkyBurst anti-drone ammunition



New images from the Marrakech International Airshow 2026 revealed that the Moroccan WhAP is equipped with the UT30 MK2 turret, an unmanned combat turret manufactured by Elbit Systems. This turret is designed to integrate a 30mm cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, with the potential to also incorporate anti-tank missiles, electro-optical systems, and advanced fire control equipment.

The turret gives the vehicle the capability to engage a wide range of ground targets and can also be equipped with munitions specifically designed to counter small aerial threats, a capability that is becoming increasingly important given the widespread use of drones in modern warfare.

 

[The SC]

Military Industry in Morocco

 

[The SC]

Tata WhAP 8x8 Showcased at Marrakech Air Show 2026The Tata WhAP 8x8 (Wheeled Armoured Platform) is being exhibited at Marrakech Air Show 2026, highlighting Morocco’s growing role in the development of its domestic defense-industrial capabilities.Developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the WhAP is an 8x8 amphibious wheeled armored combat vehicle designed for mobility, protection, and multi-mission operations.The platform is also linked to Tata Advanced Systems Morocco, reflecting expanding India–Morocco defense-industrial cooperation and efforts to establish localized armored vehicle production in the Kingdom. Marrakech Air Show 2026, Morocco

 

[retaxis]

Looks like Morocco and ALgeria very unhappy with each other over Western sahara and historic reasons. Who is stronger at this stage? Algeria seemed to have lost a lot of goodwill while Morocco seems very close to zionist.

Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with UAE: What we know

Algiers ends relations with Gulf state over 'provocative and hostile' actions, after years of tensions.

www.aljazeera.com

 

[The SC]

The General Director of Harmatin Artificial Intelligence reveals details of preparations for the "Irifi" Drones industry in Morocco

 

[The SC]

Morocco- France

Defense also mobilizes industrial land. Other signatures relate to the mobilization of land within the defense industrial acceleration zone. Projects are concerned, notably those led by Arquus, Marcotec, MKU, Inkas, ABA Technologie, IGG/Bal Teq Defense Industries and Harmattan.

These operations constitute a step upstream of future industrial projects: they make it possible to reserve or mobilize rights of way intended to accommodate activities related to defense.

They thus broaden the number of actors called upon to participate in the development of this new industrial base. Taken separately, the agreements cover different activities. Put end to end, however, they chart the same trajectory: increase the share of research, manufacturing, engineering, and added value carried out in Morocco..



-Arquus (Armored vehicles)
-Marcotec (Sim/Integration)
-MKU (Soldier Equipment)
-Inkas (Armored Vehicles)
-ABA TECH-BAL TEQ DEFENSE (Soldier Equipment)
-Harmattan AI (Drones)

 

[The SC]

 

[The SC]

Key details:
• Powertech develops advanced aero engines and propulsion systems for unmanned/autonomous platforms.
• Caracal (small arms) is also part of the localisation initiative.


The EDGE Group subsidiary's solutions portfolio (covered by the localization and technology transfer agreement) features six engines, divided between piston engines (P-Series) and jet engines (PJ-Series/X-Series).



Piston Engines

Powertech P145i

Specifications:

Type: Two-stroke, 6-cylinder piston engine.

Power: 145 hp, 1.8-liter displacement.

Features: Electronic fuel injection (EFI), integrated 5kW alternator, air-cooled system, and CANBUS communication protocol.

Target Platforms and Weapons:

Medium- and long-endurance tactical reconnaissance drones (MALE UAVs) and light aircraft.


Powertech P10i

Specifications:

Type: Two-stroke, 2-cylinder piston engine (Boxer configuration).

Power: 10 to 12 hp, 155 cc displacement. Features: Lightweight and compact flat design, electronic fuel injection, air-cooled system, and a 1kW generator.

Target Platforms and Weapons:

Small ISR UAVs and VTOL Platforms.


Powertech P80i

Specifications:

Type: 1,250cc 4-cylinder piston engine.

Power and Weight: Weighs approximately 32 kg and is equipped with a 5kW generator.

Features: Design derived from the larger P-Series engines, focusing on efficiency and low fuel consumption.

Target Platforms and Weapons:

Medium-sized and medium-range reconnaissance and attack UAVs.


Turbojet Engines

Powertech PJ120

Specifications:

Type: Turbojet engine. Thrust: Continuous thrust up to 1,200 N at sea level.

Dimensions and Weight: Weight 20 kg, Length 600 mm, Diameter 232 mm.

Fuel Consumption: Very low specific fuel consumption rate of less than 34.65 g/kN·s.

Target Platforms and Weapons:
Guided missiles, long-range jet attack drones, and aerial targets.


Powertech PJ40

Specifications:

Type: Ultra-compact micro turbojet engine.

Thrust: Continuous thrust of 450 N, reaching 580 N at maximum speeds.

Dimensions and Weight: Weighs only 6 kg, with a diameter of 155 mm and a length of 390 mm.

Target Platforms and Weapons:
Kamikaze drones/loitering munitions and light tactical missile systems.


Powertech X550

Specifications:

Type: Heavy Turbojet

Thrust: Continuous thrust of 4,700 N and maximum thrust of up to 5,000 N

Dimensions and Weight: 105 kg, with excellent fuel efficiency of up to 22 g/kN·s

Target Platforms and Weapons:

Cruise missiles and high-speed, heavy turbojet attack drones

 

[The SC]

 

[The SC]

At the Marrakech International Air Show 2026, Moroccan technology company ABA Technology unveiled its "Burj" system, designed to protect against and counter drones. This move reflects the Moroccan defense industry's focus on developing local solutions to address unmanned aerial threats.

According to information published by the company, the system relies on a Moroccan-designed interceptor drone with a declared speed exceeding 250 kilometers per hour. This allows it to pursue hostile drones and engage targets requiring rapid interception.

The unveiling of "Burj" comes at a time when low-cost drones pose an increasing challenge to armed forces and critical infrastructure, whether used for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, or attacks. This necessitates the development of defensive measures that not only detect and jam targets but also intercept them directly.



ABA Technology's presence at the Marrakech International Air Show extends beyond its counter-drone system. The company also unveiled a suite of five defense and technology systems, including the Falcon Eye long-range electro-optical surveillance and reconnaissance system, the Argon unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the Scorpion autonomous ground robot, and the Fusion AI for Defense Systems platform for artificial intelligence, command, and control.

This approach reflects an effort to build local capabilities that integrate electronic equipment, unmanned systems, software, and data analysis. This integration will enable the future connection of surveillance and monitoring systems with command and control systems, rather than operating each system in isolation.

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[The SC]

The Defense Industrial Zones Management Company (SGZID) has signed 10 new agreements with defense companies to establish production facilities in Morocco. These companies include:

Arquus: Armored vehicles.

Marcotec: Simulation and integration.

MKU: Soldier equipment and protective gear.

Inkas: Armor and armored solutions.

ABA TECH: Defense technologies and solutions.

BAL TEQ DEFENSE: Soldier equipment.

Harmattan AI: Suicide IRIFI and GOBI drones.

Shibli: Optical and surveillance equipment and systems.

EDGE: Production of rifles, light weapons, and propulsion systems.

 

[The SC]

Technology transfer will include most of the company's products to Morocco