Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait Sign Up to US Army Drone and Counter-Drone Marketplaces
Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait have signed statements of intent to use the US Army’s online marketplaces for drones and counter-drone systems, the US Army said. The three were among eight countries that signed at a ceremony in Washington on 13 October 2026, during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting.
What was signed
According to US Army Public Affairs, representatives of Albania, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco and Panama signed statements of intent (SOIs) to take part in two secure Army platforms, one for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and one for counter-UAS capabilities. The ceremony was hosted by Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle, with Brent Ingraham, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. The Army said participants included defence ministers and general officers; it did not publish the text of the SOIs.
The marketplaces sit on what the Army calls the “FMS Fast Lane”. Partners can order pre-cleared, standard-configuration drone and counter-drone systems through contracts already in place. The Army said it had completed export requirements such as technology transfer approvals, marketing licences and foreign disclosure clearances in advance, and that auto-generated Letters of Offer and Acceptance cut case preparation “from months down to days”.
What it does not mean
A statement of intent gives access to the platforms. It is not an order. The Army did not say which systems Morocco, Egypt or Kuwait might buy, and no purchases, quantities or values have been announced. Any sale would still go through the Foreign Military Sales process.
Who else is in
The Army said 29 partners have now joined the framework, which began with nine European countries at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris in June 2026. The United Arab Emirates is also listed as a signatory, making it the fourth Middle East or North African member. Egypt and Morocco are the only African countries on the list. Forbes was among the first to report the expansion.
Regional context
Drone and counter-drone demand has risen sharply across the region. Gulf states are under repeated Houthi drone and missile fire, and DefenceMENA has examined Kuwait’s armed forces after a drone attack in June. Morocco has been deepening defence technology ties with Washington: DefenceMENA has reported on its AI-based cyber defence platform and a reported request for F-35A pilot training, which has not been confirmed by either government.
What to watch
Points to watch: the first orders placed by MENA signatories, which systems are offered on the platforms, and whether other African or Gulf states join.
Sources
- US Army: Army Hosts International Signing Ceremony for UAS and Counter-UAS Marketplaces at AUSA 2026 (13 October 2026)
- Forbes: 8 new nations will do business on the US Army’s drone marketplace (14 October 2026)
