The Kingdom of Morocco is making significant investments in its military sector with the goal of becoming a self-sufficient manufacturer in defense. King Mohammed VI recently chaired a ministerial council to approve draft laws and decrees dedicated to the defense industry. The country has allocated $12 billion to the military sector by 2024, an increase of over $484.7 million compared to the previous year. These funds will primarily be used for procurement, repair of materials for the Royal Armed Forces, and support for the development of the defense industry [3cc3a68a].
Morocco is currently ranked 61st in military strength worldwide and is among the top 20 nations in terms of artillery power. In recent years, the country has been heavily investing in modernizing its military sector and acquiring cutting-edge military technology. This includes drones, combat aircraft, and defense systems. Additionally, Morocco has formed an alliance with the United States and has acquired F-16 Viper fighter jets and Javelin missiles. The aim of these efforts is to enhance the country's military capabilities and ensure national security [3cc3a68a].
In line with its goal of strengthening the defense industry, Morocco has continued to reinforce its army with US weapons. The US Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth approximately $227 million to produce and supply Morocco with ATACMS long-range guided missiles. This contract falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system for fiscal year 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2028. The HIMARS missile launchers, which provide high firepower and accuracy, will enhance Morocco's defense capabilities. This partnership between Morocco and the United States in the field of military, defense, and security cooperation reflects their common interest in increasing security and stability in the region [022df99a].
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has expressed willingness to advance bilateral relations and the strategic partnership with the United States. The extensive military cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened through numerous agreements and joint military exercises. In addition to the ATACMS missile agreement, Lockheed Martin has been given the green light to produce the "Fiber Shield" electronic warfare system for the Royal Air Force's F-16 Block fighters. This system provides advanced support against evolving threats [022df99a].
The Moroccan government's focus on strengthening the defense industry and achieving self-sufficiency in manufacturing aligns with a global trend of countries seeking to reduce their dependence on arms imports. By investing in domestic defense production, Morocco aims to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance its national security. This shift towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing is a strategic move that allows countries to have greater control over their military capabilities and reduces vulnerabilities associated with relying on external sources for critical defense equipment [3cc3a68a].