Morocco Defence Outlook:
Towards Self-Reliance

Morocco announced that its defence budget for 2024 would increase to $12.47 billion USD, a record high, compared to the $17 billion allocated in 2023. Morocco’s defence landscape is undergoing a significant shift as Moroccan officials pursue strategic procurement agreements and participate in multinational exercises. Since February 2022 Morocco signed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of deals with Israel, Romania, Turkey and the United States. These agreements encompass a wide array of defence assets ranging from missile systems to armoured vehicles. Moreover, its active engagement in multinational exercises such as the African Lion Championship and numerous bilateral drills demonstrates its dedication to regional security cooperation. Amidst calls for defence budget enhancements and legislative measures to foster indigenous military industries, Morocco’s defence modernization agenda aims to fortify its military prowess and achieve self-reliance by 2030.

Key Judgement 1. Morocco is likely to diversify its defence partners within the next five years.

Key Judgement 2. It’s likely that Morocco’s participation in multinational exercises strengthen relations between the Royal Armed Forces, the Sahel countries and West Africa.

Key Judgement 3. It’s likely that Morocco is poised to attain self-sufficiency in defence production in the next 10 years.