The Royal Moroccan Army has procured advanced military drones from China as part of its continuing effort to bolster its air defense capabilities.
Among the systems reportedly purchased was the Wing Loong II medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Design & Research Institute, the Wing Loong II is originally intended to support surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
However, it has been fitted with an air-to-ground attack capability and its endurance was also enhanced to fly for a maximum of 20 hours.
Its turbocharged engine also allows the drone to have a top speed of 370 kilometers (229 miles) per hour.
According to Rabat-based media outlet Morocco World News, the Wing Loong II UAVs will replace an older type of Chinese drone in the Royal Moroccan Army inventory.
Increased Interest in Drones
Morocco has been investing significant amounts of money for its military modernization program aimed at countering future threats.
The country seems particularly interested in drones.
Last month, Rabat procured 150 drones from Israeli firm BlueBird Aero Systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, air defense, and emergency missions.
The deal also puts Morocco on the list of drone manufacturers as some parts of the Israeli UAVs will be built in the African country.