UAE defense group EDGE has signed two agreements with Morocco's Administration of National Defence (ADN) at the Marrakech Air Show 2026. The agreements aim to arm the Royal Moroccan Air Force's (RMAF) unmanned fleet and explore local arms production in Morocco. EDGE will provide its DESERT STING 16 (DS-16) guided-glide weapon and THUNDER P-31 precision-guided munition to the RMAF. The contract includes integrating both weapons across the RMAF's fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The DS-16 is a 23 kg guided-glide weapon with a range of up to 15 km, while the THUNDER P-31 converts the MK 81 general-purpose munition into a precision-guided weapon with a range of up to 10 km when released from drones. Both systems use GNSS-assisted inertial navigation with an optional semi-active laser seeker. Saif Al Dahbashi, President of Missiles & Weapons at EDGE, stated that the deal is built around the performance the RMAF's missions demand, with assured supply and long-term sustainment.
EDGE has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ADN to identify local production opportunities for high-performance small arms and aeronautical engines. The MoU aims to build an industrial backbone for Morocco's defense requirements through partnerships with Moroccan companies. Hamad Al Marar noted that the MoU is part of EDGE's wider approach to knowledge exchange, local production, and technology transfer.
Miles Chambers, Senior Vice President for International Business at EDGE Group, described Morocco as a hub for Africa and its supply chain. EDGE sees Morocco as a key partner in Africa and a potential regional hub for manufacturing to support countries on the African continent. Chambers highlighted the importance of partnership in EDGE's export model, with the company now having customers in over 91 countries.
EDGE's showcase at the Marrakech Air Show included a range of autonomous systems, including long-range, long-endurance platforms and precision-guided weapons. Chambers emphasized the importance of operating in denied environments and the company's experience from recent conflicts. He also noted the growing thread of artificial intelligence in EDGE's solutions.
Chambers described the relationship between Morocco and the UAE as strong and healthy, with opportunities for collaboration beyond local manufacturing. He highlighted the potential for joint research and development, using Morocco as an export market, and integrating Moroccan industry into EDGE's supply chain. Chambers also praised Morocco's workforce and its potential for collaboration with academic institutions.
EDGE's push in Morocco mirrors its activity elsewhere in Africa, including a €1 billion naval modernization program in Angola. The company is delivering three BR71 MK II Combattante corvettes and six HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters, and has signed a Letter of Intent for a multi-year border security program.
Key points
- EDGE signs contract to supply precision-guided munitions to Royal Moroccan Air Force.
- EDGE and Morocco's ADN sign MoU to explore local production of small arms and aeronautical engines.
- Morocco seen as hub for Africa and potential regional manufacturing center for EDGE.
