Morocco increases defense budget to $15.7 billion for 2026

Tuesday 21 October 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco increases defense budget to $15.7 billion for 2026

Morocco has once again raised its defense spending, allocating MAD 157.171 billion ($15.7 billion) for 2026, according to the draft finance law submitted to parliament.

The funds are earmarked for the acquisition and maintenance of equipment for the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and to support the growth of Morocco’s domestic defense industry.

Article 34 of the draft law authorizes the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration to commit these expenditures in advance during fiscal year 2026, with funds drawn from allocations planned for fiscal year 2027.

Morocco’s defense budget has been steadily increasing. The country allocated MAD 124.7 billion ($12.088 billion) in 2024 and MAD 133 billion ($13 billion) in 2025. The 2026 allocation represents a rise of over MAD 24 billion ($2.62 billion) compared to two years ago.

The government plans to present the full 2026 finance bill to parliament this evening, following discussions by the Ministerial Council on Sunday.

The increase underscores Morocco’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and fostering a domestic defense sector. It also reflects the country’s determination to strengthen its defensive capacity in the face of potential regional instability.

In recent years, Morocco has consistently expanded its defense investments to reinforce its armed forces and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. According to Global Firepower’s 2025 ranking, Morocco is the 59th most powerful military worldwide, up from 61st in 2024.

Expanding international defense partnerships

Morocco has diversified its armament agreements with countries including the United States, Turkiye, and India.

The country recently inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) in Berrechid, India’s first overseas defense manufacturing unit and Morocco’s largest step toward localized defense production.

As part of its collaboration with Turkiye, Baykar announced earlier this year the establishment of a drone production facility in Morocco and delivered a batch of Bayraktar Akinci advanced drones.

In September, Morocco was listed among the countries benefiting from a $27 million US Defense Department contract modification to General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. for Abrams tank technical support.

These partnerships and domestic manufacturing initiatives reflect Morocco’s strategic effort to strengthen its defense industry and contribute to regional stability.