Casablanca — King Mohammed VI used the 70th anniversary of the creation of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces on Thursday to shed light on the ongoing military modernization projects, flood rescue operations, and social programs for military personnel and their families.
In an Order of the Day addressed to officers and soldiers of the FAR, the King said strengthening Morocco’s defensive capabilities remains a central priority, with particular attention given to artificial intelligence, digitalization, scientific research, and cybersecurity.
The remarks come as Morocco pushes to expand its technological and industrial capacities in the defense sector. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, working alongside the FAR, has authorized the country’s first local drone manufacturing factories. The drones are being used for border surveillance and operational support.
The King said modernization efforts must continue through “integrated projects” linked to applied scientific research and technical development, while also improving military training and professional qualifications.
He also referred to recent emergency operations carried out by the armed forces during severe flooding in western and northern Morocco earlier this year.
In January and February 2026, heavy flooding hit the Gharb region and Ksar El Kebir after the Oued Loukkos overflowed. FAR units deployed amphibious teams and Zodiac boats to evacuate hundreds of families trapped by rising waters.
Drones were also used to monitor flooded neighborhoods and guide rescue teams on the ground in real time.
The King praised what he described as a “humanitarian epic” involving the FAR, Royal Gendarmerie, National Police, Auxiliary Forces, Civil Protection units, local authorities, and civil society groups.
He also highlighted the deployment of military field hospitals and logistics units in isolated mountainous areas, including Azilal, Al Haouz, and Midelt, following severe weather conditions. According to the operations cited in the speech, the temporary facilities provided more than 10,000 medical consultations.
Alongside military modernization, the speech focused heavily on social programs.
The King announced the launch of an additional housing program through the Military Housing and Equipment Agency that will deliver 60,000 housing units over five years, with 12,000 units expected annually.
He also said military hospitals in Rabat, Meknes, Errachidia, and Laayoune are being created or renovated to improve healthcare services for active and retired military personnel and their families. The Rabat military hospital is being upgraded with oncology and robotic surgery departments.
The speech also pointed to changes in Morocco’s military service program. For the 2026 intake, new training certifications were introduced in IT maintenance, renewable energy installation, and digital logistics.
Authorities also recorded a rise in women volunteering for the FAR’s social services branch, particularly in training centers based in Temara.
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