Rabat — Morocco has raised its defense budget once again, allocating MAD 157.171 billion ($15.7 billion) for 2026, according to the draft finance law submitted to parliament.
The government will dedicate the funds to acquiring and repairing equipment for the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and supporting the development of the defense industry.
Article 34 of the 2026 draft finance law authorizes the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration to commit these expenditures in advance during fiscal year 2026.
The government will draw the funds from appropriations allocated for fiscal year 2027.
The defense budget shows a steady upward trend. Morocco allocated MAD 124.7 billion ($12.088 billion) in 2024 and MAD 133 billion (approximately $13 billion) in 2025. The new 2026 budget represents an increase of more than MAD 24 billion ($2.62 billion) compared to two years ago.
The Ministerial Council discussed the draft law on Sunday. The government plans to present the complete 2026 finance bill to parliament this evening.
The increased spending reflects Morocco’s continued focus on modernizing its military capabilities and building a domestic defense industry.
It also reflects the country’s willingness to boost its military defensive arsenal and capacity in the face of any possible unstable regional threats.
The country has consistently expanded its defense investments in recent years as it seeks to strengthen its armed forces and reduce dependence on foreign equipment suppliers.
In January this year, Morocco ranked as the 59th most powerful military worldwide in 2025 out of 145 countries assessed in Global Firepower’s latest. The North African country has made a clear improvement from its 61st place in 2024.
Defense deals far and wide
Morocco has been diversifying its armament deals with powerful countries, including the US, Turkiye, and India.
The country has recently deepened its armaments partnership with India, inaugurating Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) in Berrechid. The plant is India’s first overseas defense manufacturing unit – and Morocco’s most ambitious foray into localized defense production.
As part of its deals with Turkiye, Baykar officially announced earlier this year the establishment of a drone production factory in Morocco, let alone the delivery of a batch of Bayraktar Akinci advanced drones.
In late September, Morocco appeared in a list of countries that will benefit from the US Defense Department award of a new $27 million contract modification to General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. for Abrams tank technical support.
The diversification of armaments deals and the establishment of ammunition factories in Morocco reflect the country’s determination to foster its military defense and secure regional stability.
