Morocco is rapidly modernizing its military aviation, but Spain is believed to retain a clear lead. For former Spanish colonel Manuel Morato, Madrid’s superiority remains “real,” notably thanks to its Eurofighters, the training of its military personnel and its membership in NATO.
A member of the Polisario Front was reportedly killed in an airstrike targeting suspicious movements east of the defense wall, in the Sahara. The operation is attributed to a drone belonging to the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
Morocco now reportedly holds an advantage over Spain in a field that has become central to modern armed forces: drones. This is the assessment made by Francisco Bendala, a former Spanish lieutenant-colonel, who nevertheless acknowledges Madrid’s superiority in the air and at sea.
Morocco is reportedly rapidly strengthening its air defenses in the north of the country. Radars, artillery and anti-aircraft systems are said to be deployed to form a “bubble” whose coverage could, according to a Spanish military source, reach southern Spain.
Moroccan pilots will have two full-mission simulators replicating the future F-16 Block 72s. The United States has just awarded CAE a contract worth up to $42.1 million to install this equipment, notably at Sidi Slimane Air Base.
Before authorizing the sale of two naval drones to Morocco, the Dutch government examined the risk of them being used in the conflict in the Sahara. The Hague ultimately gave the green light, deeming such a scenario unlikely.
Rabat will host SOCAFRICA’s main annual symposium in December. US and Moroccan forces will bring together military delegations and industry representatives around drones, autonomous robots, exoskeletons, night-vision equipment, small arms and other technologies intended for special operations.
From Morocco to Saudi Arabia, Turkey has established its armed drones in the main Arab militaries. TB2, Akinci, Anka-S and Aksungur now equip countries that are sometimes rivals, turning Ankara into an indispensable supplier for the Maghreb and the Gulf.
Morocco is no longer relying on a single intermediary to defend its interests in the United States. Three American firms now work simultaneously for Rabat, at a combined cost of 160,000 dollars per month, with missions ranging from Congress to digital communications.
“Neither wants war, but both are preparing for the worst.” Issued at the end of 2025 regarding Morocco and Algeria, the warning has taken on a new dimension with the acceleration of the two neighbors’ military modernization.
Algeria may have gained a technological advantage over Morocco in the fighter jet race. The reported arrival of the first Russian Su-57s contrasts with Rabat’s discussions, which have still made no concrete progress toward acquiring the American F-35.
Harmattan AI does not plan merely to manufacture its systems in Morocco. The defense company is developing a new fixed-wing drone in Rabat, whose trials will be conducted at several Moroccan sites, including vast areas located in the south of the country.