Morocco plans to buy Wing Loong 2 armed drones from China, replacing the 4 Wing Loong 1 donated by the United Arab Emirates in 2020.
Morocco has already used Wing Loong 1 received from the United Arab Emirates to carry out airstrikes against the Polisario Front militia during the Guerguerat crisis. But given the obsolescence of these devices and to strengthen its air force, the kingdom plans to acquire the improved version of this Chinese drone, the Wing Loong 2.
Designed and manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Wing Loong 2 offers better flight and payload capabilities. It has a maximum load capacity of 400 kg and is capable of carrying up to 12 bombs or laser-guided missiles. It can fly for 20 hours and reach a top speed of 370 km/h, Defensa reports.
Morocco has signed a contract with Turkey for the acquisition of 36 Bayraktar TB2 drones of which it has already received the first batch of 25 units. In recent years, the kingdom has diversified its sources of armaments by buying drones and missiles, and other military equipment from the United States, Israel, China and Turkey.
