In recent years, Morocco has embarked on one of the most ambitious military modernization plans in its modern history, according to a detailed analysis published by the Spanish platform “Descifrando la Guerra,” which specializes in geopolitical and military studies. This modernization is based on a comprehensive strategic vision that includes restructuring the defense system, developing local military industries, acquiring advanced weapons systems, and enhancing the readiness of human resources through the reinstatement of mandatory military service since 2019.

This trajectory, which has accelerated over the last decade, has reshaped the operational capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces, and made Morocco one of the most prominent military actors in North Africa and the Atlantic coast.

Ground Forces

According to Spanish analysis estimates, the Royal Armed Forces comprise approximately 235,000 active-duty soldiers and 250,000 reservists, with the Army making up about 88% of them. The analysis also indicates that this human mass has undergone reorganization and training in recent years, in line with the requirements of new equipment and renewed combat doctrine.

The same analysis indicated that the reintroduction of compulsory military service constituted one of the most prominent pillars of this path, as Rabat aims to ensure a human reserve that is trained and ready, and can be quickly called upon in cases of crisis.

According to the document, the Moroccan land units witnessed a qualitative leap, especially in terms of armor and artillery; Morocco has become one of the largest users of American Abrams tanks in the region, with the acquisition of 222 M1A1 SA tanks (2015 agreement) and 162 M1A2 SEP v3 tanks (December 2023).

The same source added that these versions are equipped with advanced armor systems and a “munition data link” system that allows smart projectiles to be adjusted before being launched, such as the M1147.

Morocco also maintains a fleet of approximately 50 Chinese-Pakistani VT-1A tanks, in addition to continuing to operate Soviet T-72 tanks and versions of the M48 and M60 Patton that are being gradually phased out.

The analysis indicated that the modernization of the ground forces continued through the introduction of modern tactical armored systems, including: 50 American M-ATV vehicles, and 200 Turkish Cobra II vehicles, while continuing to rely on M113 vehicles (more than 1,000 units since 1965).

These acquisitions are intended to replace the French VAB and AMX-10 RC vehicles, most of which have reached the limits of operational obsolescence.

Shield confrontation

The analysis discussed another notable capability that came with the US Department of Defense's approval to supply Morocco with 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 200 portable launchers, noting that this deal would improve the Moroccan infantry's ability to counter modern armored threats.

The arrival of 600 Stinger FIM-92K missiles is also expected, to bolster man-portable air defense units, especially against drones and helicopters.

The same source confirmed that to counter the obsolescence of the Soviet BM-21 missiles, Morocco acquired 12 PHL-03 AR2 units (300 mm caliber - range 130 km) and 36 Weishi WS units (400 mm caliber - range up to 400 km), adding that the most symbolic and strategic development is the approval to supply Morocco with 18 American HIMAR systems and ATACMS missiles (range 300 km), which makes it the first country in North Africa to possess this system.

A new approach

The report argues that the biggest Moroccan strategic shifts are in redirecting military deployment to protect the Atlantic coast, where the largest cities (Rabat, Casablanca…), vital industrial facilities, and military and economic infrastructure are concentrated.

The analysis stated: “The Atlas Mountains provide a natural barrier, allowing for the establishment of a defensive line on their eastern slopes, extending from Guercif in the north to Tan-Tan in the south, passing through Errachidia and Ouarzazate. In the north, the area near the A-2 highway, which passes through Rabat, the capital, and Fez, is being reinforced.”

According to the same paper, Morocco ranks second in Africa after Egypt in the number of drones, with about 230 drones, including: Turkish: Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, Israeli: Heron, Harop, Hermes 900, and Chinese: Wing Loong 1, TB-001 Scorpion.

Morocco has strengthened its air defenses by acquiring: 24 Sky Dragon 50 batteries (medium range), and 4 FD-2000B batteries (long range), which are Chinese systems considered the most advanced in Beijing’s exports.

The Spanish analysis concludes that Morocco is moving, steadily and rapidly, towards building a modern army based on: diversifying arms sources (America, China, Turkey, Israel, France…), developing local defense industries, building advanced missile and air systems, modernizing armored vehicles and artillery, as well as strengthening human resources, and reformulating the defense doctrine to protect the Atlantic domain.

The report argues that the combination of Western, Chinese and Israeli technologies gives the Royal Armed Forces great flexibility, and makes Morocco one of the key military players on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and on the Atlantic coast.