The SC
INT'L MOD
An international report revealed that Morocco has allocated $20 billion to invest in the military field, within the framework of the 2030 modernization plan. According to a report by the International Trade Administration (ITA) issued at the beginning of the new year 2024, Morocco has allocated a budget of $17 billion for defense in 2023. Within the framework of the 2030 modernization plan, it aims to strengthen military relations with the United States of America and NATO.
The report confirmed that Morocco is the largest buyer of American defense systems on the African continent.
US arms sales to Morocco more than doubled in 2020, reaching a current sales value of $8.5 billion (76 billion Moroccan dirhams).
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Morocco was the second largest importer of heavy weapons in 2022. This report shows that Morocco imports 76% of its weapons from the United States, followed by France (15%) and China (6.8%).
In the same context, the International Trade Administration report indicated that the main sources of cooperation and investment for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) are the United States, France, Spain, and increasingly Israel, stressing that Morocco has demonstrated its commitment to efforts to modernize its armed forces.
The International Trade Department pointed out that the Moroccan 2030 modernization plan does not focus only on importing weapons, but rather aims to create a local defense industry.
To achieve this goal, Morocco has established a legal arsenal to strengthen the defense industry sector in Morocco, in addition to supporting foreign investments, and providing the necessary structure and conditions to stimulate them.
It is noteworthy that Morocco is in the process of strengthening its naval fleet with two new frigates. He also plans to invest in an advanced coastal monitoring system, given that securing the coast has become a major priority for the Kingdom. In addition to investing in joint command and control capabilities and cyber defense.
