Agadir – French drone manufacturer Delair has announced plans to open a new subsidiary in Rabat under the name Delair Africa, making the country its continental headquarters.
Delair is a French technology company specialized in the design, manufacturing, and operation of professional drones also called UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
The new Delair Africa aims to reduce response times and improve proximity to clients across the continent, while reinforcing the company’s operational footprint in Africa.
The move emphasizes Morocco’s growing appeal to defense and security companies, as the country strengthens its position as a regional hub for strategic industries.
Delair’s expansion into Morocco builds on a broader African strategy developed since the early 2010s.
The company has gradually expanded its presence across the continent, with drone deliveries and contracts in several countries, including Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Chad, Mauritania and Benin.
In Morocco, the Royal Gendarmerie acquired approximately fifteen DT-26 drones in 2021 for border surveillance operations.
Beyond establishing drone manufacturing centers, Morocco also strengthened its defense strategies through creating regional drone training centers.
During the African Land Forces Summit held in Rome last month, the US announced establishing a regional drone training center in Morocco, deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
The initiative aims to create a platform where African military personnel can receive specialized training in drone operations, intelligence gathering, and tactical coordination.
According to statements by the US Army Europe and Africa commander General Christopher Donahue, the center is designed to build “sustainable, enduring” capabilities that could later be replicated in other parts of the continent.
The project is expected to begin with a pilot phase integrated into the upcoming African Lion military exercises, which are jointly organized by Morocco and the United States.
Together, these events point out Morocco’s emerging position as a central venue for defense innovation and collaboration on the African continent, merging industry, operations, and training in support of the increasing significance of drones in contemporary military tactics.
