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Rabat – Morocco will mark on Thursday the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Armed Forces, celebrating decades of military modernization, humanitarian work, and international cooperation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Founded in 1956 by the late Mohammed V shortly after Morocco gained independence, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have grown into one of the region’s most advanced military institutions. The army continues to focus on protecting the country’s territorial integrity, maintaining security and stability, and supporting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters.
The FAR have accelerated efforts to modernize their equipment and strengthen military infrastructure in recent years. In 2026, Morocco received the second batch of seven Apache AH-64E combat helicopters as part of a broader defense modernization strategy launched under the king’s directives. The helicopters are considered among the world’s most advanced attack aircraft and are expected to improve Morocco’s operational capabilities.
Modernization and defense growth
The modernization campaign also reflects Morocco’s strategy to diversify its military partnerships while moving toward greater defense industry sovereignty. The country is working to develop a national military industry aimed at strengthening strategic resilience and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Beyond military operations, the FAR continues to play an important humanitarian role across the country. Following severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall that affected several regions in 2026, King Mohammed VI ordered the immediate mobilization of military personnel and logistical resources to assist affected populations.
Working alongside the Ministry of Interior and local authorities, military intervention units were deployed with transportation equipment, emergency supplies, and temporary shelter solutions for residents impacted by the storms.
The anniversary is also an opportunity to recall social programs benefiting military personnel and their families. Morocco’s Military Housing and Equipment Agency (ALEM) provided housing assistance to more than 4,000 new beneficiaries in 2025, bringing the total number of recipients to nearly 52,000 by the end of the year.
Authorities also processed housing cases for around 12,000 families living in unsafe homes built on military land as part of a broader social support program. In addition, approximately 5,300 housing units were made available for military personnel and their families.
Morocco’s military service program continues to attract strong interest from young people as well. Officials describe the program as a platform that promotes discipline, citizenship, and job skills while helping thousands of Moroccan youths gain professional training and improve their employment opportunities.
Additionally, Morocco remains one of the leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The country has participated in multiple missions around the world and continues to expand training through the Peace Operations Center of Excellence in Benslimane.
Morocco has also strengthened military cooperation with international partners through large-scale exercises such as African Lion, organized jointly with the United States and several allied countries. The exercise, now in its 22nd edition, reflects Morocco’s growing role as a regional security partner and a key actor in maintaining stability in Africa and beyond.
