Latest news with #RoyalArmedForces
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan FAR drone neutralizes Polisario attackers after Es-Semara assault
A new chapter has emerged in the attack carried out by Polisario armed elements on Friday, June 27, targeting civilian areas in Es-Semara. The perpetrators behind the launch of five projectiles did not make it back to the Tindouf camps unscathed. «A Royal Armed Forces (FAR) drone, conducting a routine surveillance mission in the region, immediately tracked the vehicle carrying the Polisario attackers responsible for Friday's strike», a Moroccan security source told Yabiladi. «A missile fired by the unmanned aircraft completely destroyed the vehicle and its occupants. The exact toll of the airstrike, which occurred east of the Sand Wall, has yet to be confirmed». Shortly before the strike, the assailants, traveling in a vehicle, fired five rockets—believed to be of Iranian origin—on the city of Es-Semara. One projectile landed near a MINURSO barracks, but no casualties or material damage were reported.
Ya Biladi
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
FAR drone strikes Polisario vehicle near Sand Wall
A Royal Armed Forces (FAR) drone struck a Polisario vehicle on Thursday, June 19. «The operation took place in the Karzaze region, near Mijek, east of the Sand Wall. The outcome of the strike remains unknown for now», a source familiar with the matter told Yabiladi. According to the same source, the Polisario elements had first crossed into Mauritanian territory clandestinely, intending to carry out an operation against Moroccan positions, before being targeted by the FAR drone. However, a Polisario-affiliated media outlet offered a different version of events, claiming the Moroccan drone targeted a «civilian vehicle» in the same area. It's worth noting that FAR drones had already targeted Polisario vehicles in Karzaze on May 29. This latest operation comes just 24 hours after Brahim Ghali presided over the graduation ceremony of a new cohort of the Front's armed militias on Wednesday.
Ya Biladi
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and Ethiopia sign strategic military cooperation agreement in Rabat
On Tuesday, June 17, in Rabat, Minister Delegate for the National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, signed a military cooperation agreement with his Ethiopian counterpart, Aysha Mohammed Mussa. This strategic partnership between Rabat and Addis Ababa covers training, military exercises, joint drills, scientific research, and military health. It also includes the exchange of expertise and experience in various areas of mutual interest, according to a statement from the National Defense Administration. The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint military commission tasked with defining cooperation areas. The commission will hold meetings alternately in Rabat and Addis Ababa. The signing of this agreement was among the planned outcomes of the visit by the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), General Mohammed Berrid, to Addis Ababa from April 23 to 26. During that visit, General Berrid held talks with Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelalcha had previously visited Morocco in August 2024 for a working visit. A month earlier, a FAR delegation traveled to Ethiopia. On May 20, Addis Ababa hosted the first session of political consultations between Morocco and Ethiopia, co-chaired by Ambassador Fouad Yazough, Director General at Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga.
Morocco World
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco, Ethiopia Deepen Ties Through New Defense Agreement
Rabat – Morocco and Ethiopia signed a military cooperation agreement today during a high-level visit to Rabat. The Ethiopian Minister of Defense, Aysha Mohammed Mussa, led a senior delegation to Morocco, where she met with Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration. The visit marks a new phase in the evolving partnership between the two countries. Discussions revolved around a mutual desire to broaden cooperation beyond diplomatic pleasantries. The newly signed agreement lays the groundwork for concrete collaboration across a range of military sectors, from training and research to military healthcare and joint exercises. The two sides agreed to establish a joint military commission to oversee this cooperation and to meet alternately in Rabat and Addis Ababa. The meeting also brought together General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, reflecting the depth of Morocco's institutional commitment to the partnership. For both countries, the deal is about positioning themselves as reliable contributors to peace and stability in Africa. The two sides also acknowledged the broader context in which their cooperation takes place, a continent that continues to grapple with security challenges but also carries the weight of immense potential. In that context, Morocco and Ethiopia see themselves as part of a generation of African states willing to take regional responsibility into their own hands. The Moroccan side took the opportunity to share its experience with South-South cooperation, a policy Morocco has championed across several fields, and in turn, brought to the table its influence in East Africa and its aspirations for greater regional engagement. Both countries expressed interest in regular visits, more active dialogue, and real on-the-ground cooperation. Tags: military defenseMorocco defense systemMorocco Ethiopia ties
Morocco World
15-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Report: Morocco Eyes Defense Autonomy Through Local Production
Rabat – A new report by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Morocco's Global Governance & Sovereignty Foundation provides a detailed look at Morocco's evolving military strategy. Faced with mounting regional pressure, Morocco has turned its focus to advanced air systems and the long-term goal of building a sovereign defense industry. The report names Algeria as Morocco's chief rival, as it ranks among the world's top three military spenders in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a counter, Morocco has pursued a high-tech, targeted approach, favoring drones, helicopters, artillery, and missile defense systems over sheer volume. Drones, rapid surveillance In recent years, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have stepped up efforts to strengthen aerial surveillance and quick-response capabilities. In 2021, Morocco purchased 13 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey for around $70 million, later adding six more units. These unmanned aircraft have since played a key role in tracking separatist activity in the south and patrolling remote border areas. In 2023, Rabat finalized an agreement for the more advanced Bayraktar Akinci drones. Though the number of units remains undisclosed, the report confirms the first deliveries have already taken place. The move is part of Morocco's shift toward air-centric gear that matches the terrain and the nature of the threats it faces, ranging from cross-border infiltration to external backing of separatist groups. Laying the groundwork for local defense production The report also cites Morocco's bid to stem its reliance on foreign suppliers. In early 2025, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar announced plans to open a production and maintenance plant in Morocco. This came just months after Morocco signed a deal with India's Tata Advanced Systems to locally produce WhAP 8×8 armored vehicles. Imports from countries like the US, Israel, Turkey, China, and France feed into a strategy of supplier diversification, which the report calls essential to avoid overdependence and navigate shifts in international alliances. However, Morocco still faces hurdles in establishing an autonomous defense industry. The report points to gaps in advanced manufacturing, engineering skills, and local component production. It urges investment in training programs, industrial hubs, and a long-term vision for defense autonomy. Naval power, cyber defense lag behind Maritime security also figures into Morocco's broader strategic ambitions, especially given its role in monitoring the Strait of Gibraltar. The report calls for future expenditure in modern frigates and a clear national maritime strategy. Some steps have already been set in motion. The expansion of the Tangier-Med port, a maritime surveillance center launched in 2011, and the naval base at Ksar Sghir show Morocco's growing naval ambition. A new patrol vessel, built by Spanish company Navantia, is expected to join the Royal Navy in the coming months. At the same time, cyber defense continues to be a weak link. The report cautions that Morocco is still unprepared to counter cyber threats and calls for the creation of a dedicated cybercommand. With the country's tech sector expanding, the report sees room to train experts in cyber operations and build capacity for hybrid warfare. According to the report, alliances with partners such as NATO could help speed up this process and strengthen Morocco's defenses against misinformation campaigns and infrastructure attacks. Morocco cut its military spending by 26% in 2024, according to a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Despite the drop, Morocco continues to rely heavily on the US for its defense needs, with American suppliers making up 64% of total arms imports. Across the region, Algeria also scaled back its purchases by a stark 73%, but its overall imports still outpaced Morocco's. Tags: military defenseMoroccoMorocco military
