Rabat – Morocco’s military expenditures fell by 26% in 2024, according to a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report, “Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024,” notes a steady decline in Morocco’s defense budget. After a modest 2.5% decrease last year, spending saw a more significant reduction this year.
SIPRI notes a shift in Morocco’s military procurement over the past two decades. Between 2005 and 2014, the country increased its arms imports more than tenfold. Since then, acquisitions have gradually declined. However, the report suggests an upward trend as pending deliveries move forward in the coming years.
The US continues to be Morocco’s main supplier, accounting for 64% of total imports.
In regards to North Africa in general, Algeria’s arms imports dropped by 73% over the same period but remained higher than Morocco’s.
Despite recent budget adjustments, Morocco and Algeria remain Africa’s leading arms importers. Their combined acquisitions fell by 44% between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024.
Algeria, ranked 21st globally, still imports more weapons than Morocco, which stands at 31st.
However, Algeria’s purchases saw a sharp drop after peaking in the previous period. Russia remains its top supplier with 48%, followed by China with 19% and Germany with 14%.
On a global scale, SIPRI identified 162 countries as major arms importers between 2020 and 2024.
Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan topped the list, accounting for 35% of total imports. Asia and Oceania received the largest share at 33%, followed by Europe (28%), the Middle East (27%), the Americas (6.2%), and Africa (4.5%).
The report also shows Israel’s growing role in the global arms trade, which can be directly linked to their treacherous genocide and ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Ranked as the 15th largest arms importer, Israel accounted for 1.9% of total global imports. Its primary suppliers were the US (66%), Germany (33%), and Italy (1%).
The surge in arms acquisitions coincided with its massacres in Gaza, which they have caused mass civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
The US remains the world’s largest arms exporter, followed by France and Russia.
