iblini
Trusted Member
That is two quiet big tickets, I haven't be able to follow anything from mid east recently, any other news/sales related with China?
Developments in armament and military industry in the Kingdom of Morocco
- Thread starter The SC
- Start date
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #123
Israeli newspaper: Morocco is close to obtaining advanced American F-35 stealth fighters
29 December 2024
The Israeli newspaper “identité juive” claimed that the Moroccan armed forces will obtain within a few months, with the approval of Israel and the Pentagon, a document authorizing and confirming the acquisition of its first F-35 aircrafts manufactured by Lockheed Martin, which will make Morocco the only Arab and African army to own a fleet of the American stealth aircraft of the fifth generation.
The newspaper reported that between 2020 and 2022, After a meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Moroccan counterpart Abdel Latif Loudi in November 2021, Morocco requested Israel’s assistance to facilitate the acquisition of this unique combat aircraft.
Morocco turned to Tel Aviv to expedite the facilitation of this deal with the US army, and it appears that the escalation of political tensions with Algeria and the Polisario Front was a decisive factor in this decision.
According to newspaper, the deal will cost the Moroccan state at least $17 billion to secure, acquire and maintain the new fleet of 32 F-35 fighters for 45 years.
The newspaper stressed that this deal will change the geostrategic balance in the Mediterranean region, putting the Moroccan army in the position of the first power on the African continent.
Morocco's acquisition of this type of advanced combat aircraft represents a major step in modernizing its air force compared to its current equipment, which relies mainly on fourth-generation aircraft such as the F-16.
According to the Israeli newspaper, American stealth aircraft may enhance “Morocco’s ability to deter against Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front, enabling Morocco to assert its role as a major actor in North African security.” Adding that Morocco seeks to strengthen its air force with advanced aircraft to confront the threat posed by future Algerian aircraft such as the Su-57.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #124
Morocco receives a new batch from the long-range “Barak” system
Recently, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces received a new batch of the advanced long-range Israeli air defense system “Barak-MX”.
This system, which has an interception capacity of up to 150 kilometers, is a qualitative addition to the Kingdom's defense arsenal, which greatly enhances its capabilities to confront various air threats.]
Recent photos published by military experts confirmed the integration of this system into the Moroccan military arsenal, which confirms Rabat’s seriousness in modernizing its defense capabilities.
This deal comes within the framework of Morocco’s continuous endeavor to enhance its national security and protect its borders, as the “Barak-XER” system is considered one of the most modern and powerful air defense systems in the world, capable of providing comprehensive protection against a wide range of air threats with high accuracy.
The Barak LRAD is a long-range missile powered by a dual-thrust rocket motor to reach up to 70 km, while the Barak ER (extended range) missile uses a dual-thrust rocket motor and additional booster to achieve a missile range of 150 km, enhancing capabilities against theater ballistic missiles (TBM).
There is ToT for these missiles and other components of the System..
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #125
Spanish newspaper Larrazon: Morocco may be the first Arab and African country to possess the F-35 fifth generation fighter
According to a report published by the Spanish newspaper “Larazon”, Morocco has expressed interest in purchasing 32 F-35 fighter aircraft, which are considered among the most advanced military aircraft in the world, following Algeria’s announcement of its intention to acquire Su-57 aircraft. Russian fifth generation.
The newspaper reported that Morocco is seeking to obtain this advanced aircraft after the approval of both the United States and Israel, which could make the Kingdom the first African and Arab country to possess the F-35 aircraft. It is estimated that the deal will cost about $17 billion to obtain 32 units of these aircraft produced by the American company Lockheed Martin.
The report added that initial news about this deal appeared in late November, which enhances the possibility that Morocco will become the leading country on the African continent in the field of advanced military aviation. This trend comes at a time when Algeria is strengthening its military capabilities, as it has requested to obtain Russian Su-57 aircraft, which are also of the fifth generation. It is worth noting that the Algerian Air Force already possesses a variety of Soviet and Russian aircraft, such as the MiG-29 and Su-24, in addition to the Su-30 MKA, and also possesses Russian submarines within its naval arsenal.
The newspaper believes that Morocco’s possession of F-35 aircraft may contribute to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States and Israel, while at the same time achieving a military balance in the North African region. However, the newspaper warned that this step may face complex geopolitical obstacles, in light of the delicate balances in the region.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #127
The military industry begins with ammunition and then develops into equipment, and here the entry of international companies gives the industrial momentum. For example, Hexel will manufacture nacelles and pales d'helicoptere blades, meaning the manufacture of helicopter parts. Latécoère Company will manufacture aircraft parts, and there are several companies IDE, MNG group, Eator, and Alcoa Fastening system, Stelia, Bombardier, Sukhoi ... the future is bright..
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #128
Arab Defense Website January 20, 2025: Images were recently leaked showing advanced data exchange between a Hermes 900 drone and a FREMM frigate, likely the Mohammed VI frigate of the . Moroccan. Royal Navy This operation took place during a specialized anti-submarine warfare mission, which raised increasing speculation about the possibility of Morocco obtaining this advanced technology.
The Hermes 900 aircraft, produced by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, is considered among the best drones in the field of surveillance and reconnaissance, as it is distinguished by its superior capabilities in collecting information and tracking long-range targets using advanced sensors. This aircraft is used to enhance the strategic and defense capabilities of many countries, especially in the field of maritime surveillance and monitoring underwater threats.
During the joint mission, the Hermes 900 coordinated with the frigate “Mohamed VI”, a high-performance multi-mission ship designed to carry out maritime defense missions. This operation witnessed an immediate transfer of information between the two platforms, reflecting advanced technological cooperation and the ability of the Royal Moroccan Navy to operate advanced detection and communication systems.
It is believed that Morocco, which has close ties with multiple military powers, may be interested in purchasing the Hermes 900 system to enhance its maritime surveillance and defense capabilities. This cooperation also highlights the ongoing modernization of the Moroccan Armed Forces in a changing geopolitical context, where maritime security in the Mediterranean and Atlantic is gaining increasing strategic importance.
Military experts believe that Morocco’s acquisition of these advanced systems may represent a qualitative shift in the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Navy, especially in the field of detecting and neutralizing underwater threats. Although the Moroccan authorities have not confirmed this acquisition, the joint mission indicates the possibility of ongoing negotiations regarding the purchase of advanced technologies such as the Hermes 900. This reflects Rabat’s ambition to strengthen its strategic independence and military capabilities in light of escalating tensions in the region.
The Hermes 900 Kochav (“Star”) system from Elbit Systems is an Israeli medium-sized, multi-payload UAV, designed to operate at medium altitude and with long endurance, intended for tactical missions. This aircraft is the successor to the Hermes 450 series, which is considered one of the most widely used military drones in the world.
The Hermes 900 has an endurance of more than 30 hours and can fly at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet (9,100 metres). Its primary mission is reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications transmission. It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft), weighs up to 970 kg (2,140 lb), with a payload capacity of 300 kg (660 lb).
Payload options include electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar/ground moving target indicators, communications and electronics intelligence devices, electronic warfare systems, and advanced hyper-spectral sensors.
General characteristics:
Crew: 2 people (on the ground)
Payload: 450 kg (990 lbs)
Length: 8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
Gross weight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Engine: Single Rotax 916 160 kW (210 hp)
Performance:
Maximum speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 knots)
Airspeed: 112 km/h (70 mph, 60 knots)
Flight duration: 36 hours
Maximum altitude: 9,100 m (30,000 ft)
Armament:
Spike missiles
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #129
The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) has a strength of 200,000 active personnel, supported by 150,000 reserve personnel and 50,000 paramilitary forces. The ground forces include 903 tanks, 7,877 armored vehicles, and 396 self-propelled artillery systems. The Air Force includes 260 aircraft, including 83 combat aircraft, while the Navy operates 6 frigates and 105 patrol boats.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #130
In a step that confirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco, the administration of US President Donald Trump approved a deal to sell four advanced “MQ-9 Reaper” drones to Morocco.
The MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most efficient Drones in air operations, with its ability to fly for up to 40 hours under various weather conditions, making it an effective tool for reconnaissance and combat operations.
This development constitutes a qualitative shift in defense cooperation between Morocco and the United States, and is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening Moroccan military capabilities to confront the growing security challenges in the region.
MQ-9A Reaper
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (sometimes known as Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), capable of performing remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF). The US Air Force calls the MQ-9 and other unmanned aircraft “remotely operated vehicles/aircraft” (RPV/RPA) to emphasize that control is by humans from the ground.
The MQ-9 is larger and more capable than its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, but relies on the same ground control systems. The aircraft features a 950 hp (712 kW) turboprop engine, compared to the MQ-1's 115 hp (86 kW) engine. This additional power allows the aircraft to carry 15 times more munitions and fly at speeds up to three times the speed of the MQ-1.
The aircraft is monitored and controlled, including the use of weapons, by an air crew at a ground control station (GCS). The MQ-9 is the first drone designed for combat and targeting roles as well as long-duration, high-altitude surveillance operations. In 2006, General Michael Moseley, then Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, stated: “We have transitioned from using unmanned aircraft primarily in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true combat aircraft role with the MQ-9 Reaper.”
By May 2021, the USAF was operating more than 300 MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. Many of the aircraft have undergone equipment upgrades to improve their performance in “advanced combat scenarios,” and all new aircraft will include those updates. The MQ-9 fleet is expected to end its life by 2035. The average cost per unit of an MQ-9 is estimated at $32 million in 2023 prices.
The Reaper aircraft is also used by US Customs and Border Protection, and the militaries of several other countries. The MQ-9A was also upgraded to the MQ-9B, called SkyGuardian or SeaGuardian depending on the mission and payload.
Data according to US Air Force (USAF) information:
General specifications:
Crew: 0 on board, 2 at ground control station
Length: 36 feet 1 inch (11 metres)
Wingspan: 65 ft 7 in (20 m)
Height: 12 feet 6 inches (3.81 m)
Curb Weight: 4,901 lb (2,223 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight: 10,494 lb (4,760 kg)
Fuel capacity: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
Payload: 3,800 lbs (1,700 kg)
Internal: 800 lbs (360 kg)
External: 3,000 lbs (1,400 kg)
Engine: 900 hp (671 kW) Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop with DEEC.
Performance:
Maximum speed: 300 mph (482 km/h, 260 knots)
Normal airspeed: 194 mph (313 km/h, 169 kn)
Range: 1,200 miles (1,900 km, 1,000 nautical miles)
Operating time: 27 hours
Service altitude: 50,000 ft (15,420 m)
Operating altitude: 25,000 ft (7.5 km)
Armament:
7 suspension points:
Up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) at two internal weapons stations
Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) at the two middle stations
Up to 150 lbs (68 kg) on both outdoor stations
The middle point is not used
Can carry:
Up to 8 AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles
Or 4 Hellfire missiles and two 500 lb (230 kg) GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
The GBU-38 JDAM guided bomb can also be carried.
Under testing: Support for the operation of Stinger air-to-air missiles.
In March 2014, the Brimstone dual-mode missile was successfully tested on a Reaper aircraft by the British Ministry of Defense and the Royal Air Force.
Depending on mission requirements, multiple AIM-9X Sidewinder Block 2 missiles can be carried.
Electronics:
AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multispectral Targeting System
AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar
Raytheon SeaVue marine search radar (Guardian version).
MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Data according to the General Atomics Handbook:
General specifications:
Performance:
Maximum speed: 240 mph (390 km/h, 210 knots)
Range: 6,900 miles (11,000 km, 6,000 nautical miles)
Operating time: more than 40 hours
Service altitude: 40,000 ft (12,200 m)
Armament:
Electronics:
The MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most efficient Drones in air operations, with its ability to fly for up to 40 hours under various weather conditions, making it an effective tool for reconnaissance and combat operations.
This development constitutes a qualitative shift in defense cooperation between Morocco and the United States, and is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening Moroccan military capabilities to confront the growing security challenges in the region.
MQ-9A Reaper
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (sometimes known as Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), capable of performing remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF). The US Air Force calls the MQ-9 and other unmanned aircraft “remotely operated vehicles/aircraft” (RPV/RPA) to emphasize that control is by humans from the ground.
The MQ-9 is larger and more capable than its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, but relies on the same ground control systems. The aircraft features a 950 hp (712 kW) turboprop engine, compared to the MQ-1's 115 hp (86 kW) engine. This additional power allows the aircraft to carry 15 times more munitions and fly at speeds up to three times the speed of the MQ-1.
The aircraft is monitored and controlled, including the use of weapons, by an air crew at a ground control station (GCS). The MQ-9 is the first drone designed for combat and targeting roles as well as long-duration, high-altitude surveillance operations. In 2006, General Michael Moseley, then Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, stated: “We have transitioned from using unmanned aircraft primarily in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true combat aircraft role with the MQ-9 Reaper.”
By May 2021, the USAF was operating more than 300 MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. Many of the aircraft have undergone equipment upgrades to improve their performance in “advanced combat scenarios,” and all new aircraft will include those updates. The MQ-9 fleet is expected to end its life by 2035. The average cost per unit of an MQ-9 is estimated at $32 million in 2023 prices.
The Reaper aircraft is also used by US Customs and Border Protection, and the militaries of several other countries. The MQ-9A was also upgraded to the MQ-9B, called SkyGuardian or SeaGuardian depending on the mission and payload.
Data according to US Air Force (USAF) information:
General specifications:
Crew: 0 on board, 2 at ground control station
Length: 36 feet 1 inch (11 metres)
Wingspan: 65 ft 7 in (20 m)
Height: 12 feet 6 inches (3.81 m)
Curb Weight: 4,901 lb (2,223 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight: 10,494 lb (4,760 kg)
Fuel capacity: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
Payload: 3,800 lbs (1,700 kg)
Internal: 800 lbs (360 kg)
External: 3,000 lbs (1,400 kg)
Engine: 900 hp (671 kW) Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop with DEEC.
Performance:
Maximum speed: 300 mph (482 km/h, 260 knots)
Normal airspeed: 194 mph (313 km/h, 169 kn)
Range: 1,200 miles (1,900 km, 1,000 nautical miles)
Operating time: 27 hours
Service altitude: 50,000 ft (15,420 m)
Operating altitude: 25,000 ft (7.5 km)
Armament:
7 suspension points:
Up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) at two internal weapons stations
Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) at the two middle stations
Up to 150 lbs (68 kg) on both outdoor stations
The middle point is not used
Can carry:
Up to 8 AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles
Or 4 Hellfire missiles and two 500 lb (230 kg) GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
The GBU-38 JDAM guided bomb can also be carried.
Under testing: Support for the operation of Stinger air-to-air missiles.
In March 2014, the Brimstone dual-mode missile was successfully tested on a Reaper aircraft by the British Ministry of Defense and the Royal Air Force.
Depending on mission requirements, multiple AIM-9X Sidewinder Block 2 missiles can be carried.
Electronics:
AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multispectral Targeting System
AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar
Raytheon SeaVue marine search radar (Guardian version).
MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Data according to the General Atomics Handbook:
General specifications:
- Crew: 0 on board, 2 at ground control station
- Length: 38 ft 5 in (11.7 m)
- Wingspan: 78 ft 9 in (24 m)
- Maximum take-off weight: 12,500 lb (5,670 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
- Payload: 5,550 lbs (2,520 kg)
- Internal: 800 lbs (360 kg)
- External: 4,750 lbs (2,150 kg)
- Engine: 900 hp (671 kW) Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop with DEEC.
Performance:
Maximum speed: 240 mph (390 km/h, 210 knots)
Range: 6,900 miles (11,000 km, 6,000 nautical miles)
Operating time: more than 40 hours
Service altitude: 40,000 ft (12,200 m)
Armament:
- 9 suspension points:
- One central point
- 8 suspension points on the wings
- Can carry:
- Up to 10 Brimstone air-to-surface missiles
- Or 500 lb (230 kg) Paveway IV laser-guided bombs.
Electronics:
- AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multispectral Targeting System
- AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar
- Optional equipment includes:
- 360° multi-pattern marine surface search radar
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment
- Tactical and strategic signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems
- Tactical Data Link (Link-16)
- Airborne early warning (AEW)
- Communications gateway/transmission.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #132
A delegation from the Turkish company "Aselsan" on a visit to Morocco to discuss cooperation opportunities In the field of arms industry.
The company focuses on research, development and manufacturing advanced military products for the air, land and sea forces.
The Turkish company Aselsan is the backbone in the development of modern Turkish air defense systems. The company plays a pivotal role in designing and producing a wide range of advanced defense systems that serve the needs of the Turkish armed forces.
The company focuses on research, development and manufacturing advanced military products for the air, land and sea forces.
The Turkish company Aselsan is the backbone in the development of modern Turkish air defense systems. The company plays a pivotal role in designing and producing a wide range of advanced defense systems that serve the needs of the Turkish armed forces.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #133
Turkish Baykar will build a factory for Drones in Morocco
The Turkish group "Baykar" maker of Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci,, which is already a preferred supplier of Rabat, has recently settled in Morocco, according to "Le desk" revealed by the website "Ludkar ”.
Objective: Establishing a dedicated factory for the armed aircraft industry.
The Turkish Bayakar group, designed for the famous Bayraktar TB2, will be established in Morocco, which is considered one of its preferred customers, according to "LE Desk".
In October, a new company was established in Morocco under the name "Atlas Defense" in Rabat. According to the information received, the company was officially registered and the nature of its activity, which includes a wide range of industrial and technological processes.
The company, under the leadership of the founding brothers, plans to design, produce, develop and maintain drones, as well as developing and selling software and equipment allocated to these aircraft.
Its activities also include the production and sale of drones, design and development of technological systems and products that serve the defense sector. According to reliable sources, "Atlas Defense" seeks to expand its operations to include the design, manufacture, assembly and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters and other air vehicles.
In addition, the company plans to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems, which contributes to enhancing technological innovation in the defense sector in Morocco.
Since 2021, Morocco has been buying the products of this Turkish company close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After repeated requests, the partnership between Baikar and Morocco is developing to a new level, as a factory aimed at securing the production and maintenance of armed air aircraft will be created.
Since 2021, Morocco has strengthened its military cooperation with the Turkish company "Baikar" through several deals to buy "Bayraktar TB2" drones. In the first deal, it was agreed to purchase 13 drones, in addition to driving and control stations, accurate guidance ammunition, technical support and training, at an estimated value of about $ 70 million. Delivers gradually began at the end of 2021 and continued during 2022, with Moroccan teams training in operation and maintenance.
Between 2023 and 2024, cooperation expanded to include additional batches of drones, with the aim of using them in multiple tasks such as border monitoring, combating smuggling and illegal immigration, and strengthening reconnaissance and intelligence activities. In August 2024, the company "Baikar" announced the delivery of a new batch of "Bayrakdar TB2" aircraft to Morocco.
The Bayrakdar TB2 plane is characterized by its ability to fly for up to 27 continuous hours, at a maximum altitude of 27 thousand feet, and at a speed of up to 130 km per hour. It also has a communications system of up to 300 km, and is equipped with accurate targeting systems using photovoltaic cameras and calories, allowing them to carry out reconnaissance and attack tasks with high efficiency.
In addition, Morocco is expected to receive the most sophisticated "Bayraktar Akıncı" drones in February 2025, as part of the Kingdom's strategy to enhance its air defense capabilities.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #134
According to the Spanish newspaper Larazon, Morocco has contracted the Chinese TB -001 drones.
The Moroccan armed forces are working to enhance their air capabilities by acquiring a Chinese TB -001 Chinese drone, known as "Deliver Scorpio". This drone is characterized by its ability to carry up to 1.5 tons of ammunition and its independence in continuous flying for up to 40 hours, with a maximum range of 8,000 km and an operation of up to 10,000 meters. Moroccan sources indicate that the price of the unit from this drone is about 2 million yuan (about 280 thousand dollars).
TB -001 is a two-engine attack and reconnaissance plane and a dual tail developed by Sichuan Tenjin for scientific and technological innovation, Chinese Ltd. Its wings are 18 meters, and its length is 8.8 meters and a height of 2.7 meters, and its maximum weight is 1950 kilograms, and its maximum range is 8,500 km. It is mainly made of compound materials, giving it short -term take -off capabilities and high -rise flying efficiency.
This drone has the ability to perform a variety of tasks including rescue operations in emergency, meteorological services, large -scale patrols, and air transport. In addition, it can be equipped with a variety of light missiles to attack ground targets such as light vehicles and individuals
https://shorturl.at/gHe7e
The TB 001 capable of carrying a variety of ammunition, including:
HJ-10: An anti-armor missile that resembles American AGM-114 helllfire, laser or radar.
AKD-10: An accurately directed missile to hit armored vehicles and fortified targets.
LS-6: Satellite guided bombs (GPS) or laser, similar to American JDAM.
FT-9 / FT-10: Smart bombs with GPS guidance, used to hit targets with high accuracy.
Air to Air (possible) missiles:
It may carry the TY-90, a small-air-to-air missile designed to target drones and helicopters.
