A recent report from Spain highlights the Royal Armed Forces’ significant enhancement of their defensive and offensive capabilities throughout 2023 and their intentions to continue bolstering these aspects into 2024.
Prepared by the Spanish “Defensa” platform, the report notes a considerable increase in Morocco’s defense budget for 2024, reaching 124 billion dirhams. This surge indicates the ongoing process of acquiring and refurbishing military equipment and the strategic focus on advancing the national defense industry.
Highlighted within the report are the main contracts signed by Morocco in military defense during 2023, signaling the nation’s commitment to persist with this strategy in 2024.
Morocco has acquired defensive missiles known as “Himars,” a significant ammunition set, and has placed requests for 40 AGM-154C guided bombs of the JSOW model to equip its F-16 fighter jets, valued at $774 million. These acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s capacity for long-range precision strikes.
Furthermore, the report details Morocco’s pursuit of a lethal Israeli system named “Pulse,” with indications that the Kingdom has acquired its initial battery. Additionally, Morocco has secured SpyX stealth aircraft with a 50-kilometer operating range, utilized in Toyota vehicles.
Regarding military deals with Tel Aviv, the report explains Morocco’s acquisition of the Barak MX air defense system last summer and expresses interest in Rafael’s SPYDER medium air defense system, aimed at safeguarding strategic enclaves from various air threats, including tactical ballistic missiles.
The report also mentions Morocco’s acquisition of Chinese drones of the “Wing Loong 2” type, becoming the third aerial combatant alongside Turkish “Birikdar” aircraft and the initial generation of “Wing Loong” aircraft. Negotiations for acquiring Turkish Akinji aircraft, designed for deep attacks with a 280-kilometer cruise missile range, have commenced.
The report lauded the upgrades in the Moroccan army, emphasizing the receipt of H-135M helicopters designated for pilot training, search, rescue, and transport missions, along with the official commencement of the manufacturing process for Apache helicopters.
Morocco is planning to replace the operational “Mohammed VI” satellite through the Israeli Space Institute, aiming to enhance espionage and proactive monitoring missions.
The report concludes by mentioning a $10 million grant from the United States, including the provision of 500 military vehicles within the surplus defense goods program. This initiative reflects the U.S.’ continued support for Morocco, aimed at fortifying its defense capabilities and enhancing its response to potential threats in the Maghreb region.
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