Morocco Strengthens Its Standing as an Emerging Military Power: Launch of the “Barb-X” Suicide Drone… Toward a National Defense Industry

ALDAR/ Iman Alaoui

In a strategic move aimed at modernizing its military arsenal and building an integrated defense industry, Morocco recently revealed the introduction of the FPV-type suicide drone “Barb-X,” developed by the Israeli company BlueBird Advanced Systems, as part of close cooperation with the Royal Armed Forces. This step is not merely an arms deal; it reflects an advanced vision intended to bolster the Kingdom’s defensive capabilities and pave the way for developing a competitive domestic military industry.

The new “Barb-X” belongs to the class of small, fast-moving loitering munitions capable of striking precise targets at a lower cost compared with conventional weapons. This type of drone has proven effective in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East, making its acquisition a strategic addition that strengthens Morocco’s deterrence capabilities amid rising security and regional challenges.

But the true significance of this move goes beyond the technical aspect. Morocco, which in recent years has engaged in broad partnerships with technological powers such as the United States, Israel, and Turkey, aims to transfer expertise and localize technology within its borders. The Kingdom has launched programs to establish a domestic industrial base in areas including unmanned aerial vehicles, smart munitions, and air defense systems, which should eventually reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and achieve defense self-sufficiency.

This momentum aligns with a clear royal vision to make Morocco a regional hub for military industries. Since signing security and military cooperation agreements with Israel in 2020, the Kingdom has taken tangible steps toward local drone production, announcing projects to set up dedicated factories in various regions of the country, including advanced industrial zones in Kenitra and Benguerir.

Experts consider the induction of the “Barb-X” into service consistent with this direction, as it could form the basis for joint industrial cooperation and technology transfer. Moreover, this type of drone gives Morocco military flexibility in addressing asymmetric threats—such as cross-border armed groups or unconventional attacks—which aligns with Morocco’s strategy to protect its territorial integrity and vital interests.

Thus, integrating the “Barb-X” into the Royal Armed Forces’ arsenal is not simply a technical upgrade; it is a link in a broader project aimed at making Morocco a regional power that relies on its own defense capabilities and leverages new alliances to enter the modern military-industrial arena.