Morocco increases defense budget as it prepares for industrialization

The Moroccan government increased the budget allocated for defense to 133 billion dirhams ($13.5 bln) as it prepares to promote defense industries and upgrade equipment, as shown in the draft budget for 2025.

This year, Morocco’s defense budget was at 124 billion dirhams, highlighting the country’s efforts to modernize its army with state-of-the art technologies.

Morocco has established two industrial zones for defense industries, a first step in reducing the country’s reliance on arms imports.

Meanwhile, Algeria, which hosts and arms the Polisario separatist militia, has increased its defense budget to 25 billion dollars, nearly on par with Israel, a state at war.

From a balance of power perspective, Morocco is forced to make sure it has the latest technology to stay at pace and ensure it has efficient deterrence capabilities amid a surge in war rhetoric among Algerian officials.