Morocco sets a new record for military spending in 2026

Morocco has diversified its sources of arms supply in order to conclude industrial agreements with various countries. The kingdom has purchased drones, as well as defense systems and various combat equipment from Turkey, China, the United States, Israel and India. Since the normalization of its relations with Tel Aviv in December 2022, within the framework of the Abraham Accords, Rabat has intensified its military cooperation with this country. In addition to buying weapons, Morocco is gradually developing a defense industry. Amounting to 14.5 billion dirhams, Morocco’s military budget for 2026 is dedicated to the implementation of this dynamic. Thus, the Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM) factory, which will be built in Berrechid, will produce WhAP 8x8 armored vehicles. The factory, with a local integration rate of 35% and expected to reach 50%, will support regional economic growth and serve as a platform for exporting vehicles to Africa.

In addition, a maintenance center for F-16 and C-130 aircraft is under construction in Benslimane, under the direction of Maintenance Aéro Maroc in collaboration with Sabena Engineering, Lockheed Martin and MedZ. This center will become a regional maintenance center. Amine Chafik, CEO of Maintenance Aéro Maroc, indicated that the center will also have the capacity to maintain aircraft for export. Similarly, the Israeli company BlueBird has confirmed the upcoming installation of a SPY-X drone production unit in Morocco, with a technology transfer. In addition, the Turkish company Baykar is coming to Benslimane, via Atlas Defense, to set up a subsidiary. These initiatives aim to build a national ecosystem in the sectors of armored vehicles, drones, aeronautics, maintenance and component production.

Morocco’s 2026 military budget also gives priority to strengthening border surveillance, acquiring Apache helicopters, renewing armored vehicles, developing coastal artillery and modernizing maritime patrol vessels, according to a FAR-Morocco official.