Morocco plans to raise its 2026 defense budget to 73 billion dirhams, up 4.8 percent from 2025, as the country expands personnel spending, upgrades equipment and strengthens border infrastructure, Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi told lawmakers.
Addressing the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and national defense, Loudiyi said the budget rose by 3.3 billion dirhams but will remain below 4 percent of gross domestic product in 2026, compared with 4.5 percent this year.
He said spending discipline remains a priority as the needs of the Royal Armed Forces grow in scope and technological complexity.
Personnel will account for 65 percent of the total budget, or 47.4 billion dirhams, reflecting a two-billion dirham increase driven by salary adjustments, promotions and the hiring of 5,500 new recruits. The allocation also includes 102 million dirhams for state contributions to social security and pension schemes.
Equipment and operating expenditures will reach 7.9 billion dirhams, covering housing rentals for administrative and Royal Gendarmerie units, utility payments, and one point two billion dirhams for the Hassan II Foundation’s social support programmes.
The ministry will continue shifting military units to renewable energy where possible. Hospitals and the Royal Armed Forces mutual fund will receive 349 million dirhams, while 60 million dirhams is earmarked for the 40th class of conscription, part of an overall 863-million dirham military service programme.
Investment spending will rise to 6.2 billion dirhams, up 7.4 percent, to fund ongoing works at the Royal College of Higher Military Studies, the expansion of the Mohammed V Military Hospital in Rabat, new weapons procurement and maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades along Morocco’s eastern and southern borders. Commitment authorisations will increase to 6.8 billion dirhams.
Including long-term contracts and repayments, total commitment credits for equipment and defense industrial support will rise 17.8 percent to 157 billion dirhams.
Loudiyi said the funds will help cover upcoming military debt obligations and sustain multi-year procurement plans starting in 2026.
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