Morocco’s Military Factories Draw Spanish Media Attention
The development of Morocco’s military industry is attracting attention in Spain. Two Spanish newspapers have examined the factories, investments and new equipment of the Royal Armed Forces, offering differing perspectives on the kingdom’s military buildup.
Projects worth $333 million approved since 2020 and 3,500 direct jobs announced: these figures caught the attention of the daily newspaper El Español on Saturday, November 14. The Spanish newspaper describes Morocco’s ambition to manufacture some of its military equipment on its own territory, after decades of purchasing from foreign suppliers.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Armored Vehicles Manufacturing Defense Industry
In Berrechid, India’s Tata Group has launched production of WhAP 8×8 armored vehicles for the Royal Armed Forces. Near Casablanca, Moroccan Military Industry is preparing combat turrets, with the first deliveries expected in March 2027. Another factory is set to produce ammunition in Sidi Yahya.
The Moroccan government has set up two industrial zones dedicated to defense activities. Projects approved since 2020 were presented to Parliament by Abdellatif Loudiyi, minister delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration. Rabat is seeking to attract foreign manufacturers and develop local expertise in producing and maintaining military equipment.
Moroccan military spending compared with Spain’s
That same day, El Debate published a comparison of Spanish and Moroccan military spending. According to SIPRI data for 2025, Madrid allocated $40.2 billion to defense, compared with $6.3 billion for Rabat. Spain’s spending was 6.4 times higher than Morocco’s.
El Español also mentions the F-16 fighter jets, Apache helicopters and Abrams tanks acquired by the Royal Armed Forces. The newspaper places these investments in the context of military rivalry between Morocco and Algeria, while highlighting the importance of security balances in the western Mediterranean.
On Bladi.net : Morocco plans 21% increase in military contract commitments to 190.5 billion dirhams
For 2027, Morocco’s defense budget is expected to reach 76.4 billion dirhams, an increase of 4.7%. Some 18.7 billion dirhams are earmarked for investment, acquisitions and the modernization of military equipment, as well as support for the national defense industry.
