Amid a complex regional environment and ongoing geopolitical challenges, Morocco is steadily enhancing its defense capabilities. According to the French newspaper Le Monde, the combined military budgets of Morocco and Algeria surpassed, for the first time in 2026, €60 billion, reflecting a deliberate drive to secure stability in North Africa.

Morocco allocates nearly €20 billion to its defense, an effort framed within a strategy of modernization, deterrence, and protection of the Kingdom’s strategic interests, without any intent to escalate tensions.

A Defense Policy Anchored in Stability

Contrary to alarmist readings, Le Monde emphasizes that neither Morocco nor Algeria seeks conflict. Morocco’s military investments primarily serve a defensive purpose, aimed at strengthening national security in a region marked by longstanding tensions, particularly concerning the Sahara issue.

The increase in Morocco’s defense spending accompanies a more assertive foreign policy focused on preserving stability, countering transnational threats, and securing borders in a region facing Sahel-Saharan challenges.

Targeted Modernization and Interoperability

In recent years, Morocco has undertaken qualitative modernization of the Royal Armed Forces, centered on next-generation equipment and interoperability with strategic partners. Deployments such as HIMARS rocket launchers, Bayraktar Akinci drones, and Apache attack helicopters enhance operational capabilities, particularly in surveillance, deterrence, and territorial defense.

This modernization occurs within a structured institutional framework, in close coordination with the United States and several European partners, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a reliable regional security actor.

Strategic Partnerships

As a major U.S. ally outside NATO, Morocco benefits from advanced military cooperation with Washington and Paris, including training, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. The restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 also opened new technological avenues, further improving the Kingdom’s defense capabilities.

According to Le Monde, this diversified partnership strategy allows Morocco to accelerate its military skill development while maintaining a pragmatic, non-confrontational approach.

Preserving Regional Balance

Although Algeria still leads in military spending in Africa—allocating more than twice Morocco’s budget—Le Monde notes that Morocco’s modernization efforts are not intended to destabilize the region but to address the security needs of a complex environment.

Experts highlight that Morocco’s long-term defense policy emphasizes deterrence, international cooperation, and risk prevention. This approach helps reduce tensions and prevents unintended escalation.

A Responsible Global Posture

Regarding the Sahara issue, Le Monde points out that Morocco has achieved significant diplomatic gains, with several Western capitals supporting its autonomy plan. This international recognition strengthens Morocco’s strategic legitimacy and minimizes the risk of isolation.

In a global context defined by shifting power dynamics, Morocco emerges as a stability hub, combining military modernization, active diplomacy, and structured partnerships.

Ultimately, Morocco’s defense efforts reflect not a logic of confrontation but a commitment to peace, national sovereignty, and regional security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.