Report: Morocco Eyes Defense Autonomy Through Local Production
Rabat – A new report by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Morocco's Global Governance & Sovereignty Foundation provides a detailed look at Morocco's evolving military strategy.
Faced with mounting regional pressure, Morocco has turned its focus to advanced air systems and the long-term goal of building a sovereign defense industry.
The report names Algeria as Morocco's chief rival, as it ranks among the world's top three military spenders in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a counter, Morocco has pursued a high-tech, targeted approach, favoring drones, helicopters, artillery, and missile defense systems over sheer volume.
Drones, rapid surveillance
In recent years, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have stepped up efforts to strengthen aerial surveillance and quick-response capabilities.
In 2021, Morocco purchased 13 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey for around $70 million, later adding six more units. These unmanned aircraft have since played a key role in tracking separatist activity in the south and patrolling remote border areas.
In 2023, Rabat finalized an agreement for the more advanced Bayraktar Akinci drones. Though the number of units remains undisclosed, the report confirms the first deliveries have already taken place.
The move is part of Morocco's shift toward air-centric gear that matches the terrain and the nature of the threats it faces, ranging from cross-border infiltration to external backing of separatist groups.
Laying the groundwork for local defense production
The report also cites Morocco's bid to stem its reliance on foreign suppliers.
In early 2025, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar announced plans to open a production and maintenance plant in Morocco. This came just months after Morocco signed a deal with India's Tata Advanced Systems to locally produce WhAP 8×8 armored vehicles.
Imports from countries like the US, Israel, Turkey, China, and France feed into a strategy of supplier diversification, which the report calls essential to avoid overdependence and navigate shifts in international alliances.
However, Morocco still faces hurdles in establishing an autonomous defense industry. The report points to gaps in advanced manufacturing, engineering skills, and local component production. It urges investment in training programs, industrial hubs, and a long-term vision for defense autonomy.
Naval power, cyber defense lag behind
Maritime security also figures into Morocco's broader strategic ambitions, especially given its role in monitoring the Strait of Gibraltar. The report calls for future expenditure in modern frigates and a clear national maritime strategy.
Some steps have already been set in motion. The expansion of the Tangier-Med port, a maritime surveillance center launched in 2011, and the naval base at Ksar Sghir show Morocco's growing naval ambition. A new patrol vessel, built by Spanish company Navantia, is expected to join the Royal Navy in the coming months.
At the same time, cyber defense continues to be a weak link. The report cautions that Morocco is still unprepared to counter cyber threats and calls for the creation of a dedicated cybercommand. With the country's tech sector expanding, the report sees room to train experts in cyber operations and build capacity for hybrid warfare.
According to the report, alliances with partners such as NATO could help speed up this process and strengthen Morocco's defenses against misinformation campaigns and infrastructure attacks.
Morocco cut its military spending by 26% in 2024, according to a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Despite the drop, Morocco continues to rely heavily on the US for its defense needs, with American suppliers making up 64% of total arms imports.
Across the region, Algeria also scaled back its purchases by a stark 73%, but its overall imports still outpaced Morocco's. Tags: military defenseMoroccoMorocco military
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