Morocco starts using Chinese drones in Laayoune
After numerous training exercises, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have begun using Chinese-made "Wing Loong 2" military drones in the desert from a private airport in the city of Laayoune, reports Telexpresse.
In October last year Rabat acquired these long-range Chinese drones characterised by their efficiency in order to reinforce its military power. According to the specialised magazine Défense et Sécurité Internationale, Morocco has obtained "an unknown number of Chinese-made combat drones from the supplier company Chengdu". The Kingdom has also purchased drones from other countries such as Israel, France and Turkey.
This particular drone, manufactured by China's AVIC Military Industries Corporation, is distinguished by its ability to fly with a payload of up to 480 kilograms - including weapons and sensors - and carry 12 bombs or laser-guided missiles. This unmanned aircraft can reach speeds of up to 370 kilometres per hour and is capable of flying for 20 hours at a time.
In this way, Morocco continues to increase its defence and military arsenal and, especially, to improve its air force capabilities.
Morocco is receiving 500 US armoured combat vehicles free of charge
In addition to armouring military capabilities at the air level, the Kingdom is also strengthening other areas of its armed forces.
Following the agreement by which the United States pledged to send 500 combat vehicles free of charge to Morocco under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme, the Kingdom is expected to finally receive the famous Bradley armoured vehicles and Abrams tanks.
The Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme is a US Department of Defense initiative that provides surplus military equipment to eligible foreign governments and companies. This excess military equipment includes firearms, military vehicles, aircraft, ships and other military technical and electronic equipment.
Bradley Fighting Vehicles were originally developed as an armoured infantry vehicle to transport soldiers and provide support. Bradley vehicles are characterised by their ability to withstand hostile combat environments and provide effective protection for the crew and infantry forces on board. They are considered one of America's premier armoured systems and are used in a wide range of military missions.
These vehicles have a variety of uses, including transporting soldiers, defence - as they carry a 25mm gun, guided missiles and a secondary 7.62mm gun - supporting engineer forces in a variety of tasks, such as mine clearance, road repair and barrier construction. They are also equipped with TOW anti-armour missiles and automatic machine guns for close-in defence.
The Bradley is a mainstay of US ground forces. These combat vehicles have been improved and evolved over the years to meet the needs of modern combat. They are considered a key weapon for meeting field challenges and providing fire support and protection to infantry forces. They have excellent ground mobility and capabilities to withstand difficult areas and different terrains.