Morocco has substantially ramped up its defense investments in recent years to shift from being merely a buyer to a burgeoning arms producer, with $12 billion allocated to the industry up $484.7 million compared to last year, according to an opinion piece by Spanish website “Escudodigital.”
Morocco has raised its defense budget by a staggering 78%, going from 34.4 billion MAD ($3.5 billion) in 2018 to 61.8 billion MAD (almost $7 billion) in 2024.
At the forefront of this strategic plan is King Mohammed VI, who chaired a council of ministers in June to greenlight legislation to fortify the military sector. Key discussions centered around creating two defense industrial zones geared to accommodate a burgeoning defense industry.
Article 37 of the Finance Bill 2024 notes that the allocated funds will focus on procuring and repairing materials for the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and on supporting the development of the defense industry.
Morocco’s trajectory towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing has been punctuated with notable acquisitions of cutting-edge military technologies such as drones, fighter jets, and defense systems. Recent acquisitions include the “HIMARS” missile rocket launcher system and swift boats from the US.
Earlier this year, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced Morocco’s acquisition of 24 advanced F-16 Viper fighter jets.
Last month, the US State Department approved the $260 million sale of 612 Javelin missiles and 200 launch units to Morocco.
The missiles will be accompanied by related equipment and support supplies, including training programs for Moroccan military personnel.
Transitioning from a buyer to a producer requires a multi-phased approach including significant infrastructure investment and expansion. Rabat is already in the transition phase marked by its construction of state-of-the-art defense facilities.
This phase includes significant financial commitments, building high-tech defense manufacturing centers, and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet the complex needs of modern defense manufacturing.
Morocco also needs the necessary technology, training, and specialization of personnel, to adapt to international standards both in trade and arms manufacturing.
In addition, promoting Moroccan defense products builds opportunities for international recognition that could acquire and integrate them into their weapon systems.