Morocco’s Military Modernization Raises Concerns in Spain

According to the report of the Spanish newspaper, the Moroccan army has significantly enriched and modernized its military arsenal over the past decade. The latest acquisitions of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), in F-16 fighters, are likely to change the geostrategic balance in the region, according to Spanish officials.

Indeed, the Kingdom is acquiring 25 F-16 fighter jets, and renewing 23 others, from the United States. 24 Apache AH-64 helicopters, the most efficient, are also expected to join the Moroccan air force arsenal.

The budget envelope allocated to these two operations is estimated at $4.8 billion and $1.5 billion respectively. The Kingdom has also devoted a budget of $750 million to the purchase of "162-M. 1A1SA" military tanks, as well as a "Lanceurs 300-TOW.1800" missile system.

According to the Spanish newspaper, the high-ranking Spanish military officials are closely monitoring the investments made by Rabat in "the latest generation of ammunition", in order to modernize its land, air and naval arsenal.

Morocco’s military spending reached $48 billion between 2005 and 2015, according to data from the U.S. Department of State.