Morocco has acquired Chinese-made TB-001K “Scorpion” reconnaissance and attack drones as part of ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and strengthen ties with Beijing.
Developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Innovation Co. (TENGDEN), the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) features dual engines and a twin-tail design, significantly enhancing its maneuverability.
The drone also boasts an impressive operational range of up to 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) and can remain airborne for up to 35 hours.
Additionally, it can carry up to 1,200 kilograms (2,646 pounds) of light missiles and bombs, enabling it to support a wide range of combat operations.
Once delivered, the Scorpion drones are expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s strike capabilities, especially as the country faces growing regional security challenges.
The quantity, contract value, and delivery timeline remain undisclosed, Military Africa reported.
Morocco’s drone fleet has proven to be a formidable force in military operations across the Sahara, relentlessly targeting and neutralizing separatist Polisario Front infiltrations, and ensuring an unyielding grip over the buffer zones.
According to Military Africa’s Drone Procurement Data, Morocco has the second largest fleet of military UAVs in Africa, after Egypt, With 223 aircraft in service as of 2023.
Morocco, ranked 59th in military power by the Global Firepower Institute, has been a consistent buyer of Chinese-made defense systems.
The ongoing relationship has seen Morocco acquire various Chinese defense systems, including the Sky Dragon 50 long-range air defense system, AR2 multiple rocket launchers, FD-2000B air defense missile system, and HJ-9A anti-tank missile systems.
In 2022, the Royal Moroccan Army selected the Wing Loong II medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV for its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance needs.
The Wing Loong II UAVs, like the TB-001, are another cornerstone of Morocco’s unmanned aerial capabilities. These drones are capable of conducting both reconnaissance and strike missions and have been used for surveillance over Morocco’s southern border, particularly in areas where regional separatist groups remain active.
Morocco’s military modernization efforts extend beyond drones. The country is reportedly in advanced discussions with Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC) regarding the potential acquisition of L-15 Falcon fighter aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Franco-German Alpha jets.
Additionally, the Royal Moroccan Navy purchased the Chinese HJ-9A anti-tank missile system, also known as Red Arrow 9A, to strengthen its ability to target armored vehicles and fortified structures.
Despite its close defense ties with China, Morocco maintains a diverse set of defense suppliers.
Last month, the country received Bayraktar Akinci drones from Turkey as part of an acquisition deal signed in 2023. This was after it received Bayraktar TB2s in January.
In 2022, Morocco also procured 150 vertical takeoff and landing drones from Israel in a deal reportedly worth “tens of millions of dollars.”
Likewise, in 2020, the Trump-administration approved the sale of four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone to Rabat before leaving office.
The latest purchase reflects the North African country’s strategic approach to reducing dependence on traditional Western suppliers while maintaining a diverse array of defense partnerships. (Military Africa; Photo: TB-001K “Scorpion” Drone © TENGDEN)
