Latest news with #Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Morocco World
5 days ago
- 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
Qatar Tribune
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Deputy prime minister meets Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung chairman
DOHA: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani has met with Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and former President of the German Bundestag Dr Norbert Lammert, and his accompanying delegation, during his visit to the State of Qatar. During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and ways to enhance and develop them. The meeting was attended by several senior QAF officers.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Seminar discusses factors driving economic diversification in GCC
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is hosting a two-day seminar – 'Indicators of Gulf Economic Diversification' – in Muscat in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States. The event, which started on Monday, has brought together experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss key factors and strategies driving economic diversification in the region. Held under the patronage of Rashid bin Amer al Musalhi, First Deputy Chairman of OCCI, the seminar is focused on measuring economic diversification and identifying progress in sustainable growth across the GCC. H H Sayyid Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Chairman of OCCI's Economic Committee, said the chamber is committed to supporting Oman Vision 2040 objectives by assessing economic diversification trends and setting clear guidelines for future development. 'GCC countries share a vision of prioritising economic diversification, especially given global economic fluctuations and shifting geopolitical realities,' he said. The seminar will examine the current status of economic diversification in the region and the composite index used to measure progress. Yousef bin Hamad al Balushi, Vice-Chairman of OCCI's Economic Committee, highlighted the growing role of the private sector in driving diversification efforts. 'Significant progress has been made, but there is still potential for further advancements, particularly through private sector engagement,' he said. The first day of discussions covered economic diversification in Oman, the composite index for Gulf countries and sustainable growth strategies. The second day will feature sessions on key economic variables affecting GCC growth, diversification indicators and mechanisms to integrate local economic pathways with international markets. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States works with GCC countries to improve mutual understanding between the region, Germany and European countries. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
17-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Seminar discusses factors driving economic diversification in GCC
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is hosting a two-day seminar – 'Indicators of Gulf Economic Diversification' – in Muscat in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States. The event, which started on Monday, has brought together experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss key factors and strategies driving economic diversification in the region. Held under the patronage of Rashid bin Amer al Musalhi, First Deputy Chairman of OCCI, the seminar is focused on measuring economic diversification and identifying progress in sustainable growth across the GCC. H H Sayyid Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Chairman of OCCI's Economic Committee, said the chamber is committed to supporting Oman Vision 2040 objectives by assessing economic diversification trends and setting clear guidelines for future development. 'GCC countries share a vision of prioritising economic diversification, especially given global economic fluctuations and shifting geopolitical realities,' he said. The seminar will examine the current status of economic diversification in the region and the composite index used to measure progress. Yousef bin Hamad al Balushi, Vice-Chairman of OCCI's Economic Committee, highlighted the growing role of the private sector in driving diversification efforts. 'Significant progress has been made, but there is still potential for further advancements, particularly through private sector engagement,' he said. The first day of discussions covered economic diversification in Oman, the composite index for Gulf countries and sustainable growth strategies. The second day will feature sessions on key economic variables affecting GCC growth, diversification indicators and mechanisms to integrate local economic pathways with international markets. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States works with GCC countries to improve mutual understanding between the region, Germany and European countries.
