In recent years, Morocco has been investing in upgrading its airpower capabilities amid rising threats in an unstable wider region. The country has emerged as a regional deterrent power and an exporter of stability as it reshapes its military doctrine around advanced aerial capabilities.
This transformation is driven by strategic necessity and a clear ambition: to secure technological superiority in a volatile neighborhood.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has significantly expanded its fleet with cutting-edge platforms. The acquisition of the mighty multipurpose AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US provide unmatched close air support and precision strike capabilities.
Morocco placed an order for 24 Apache helicopters in June 2020 under a $440 million contract, with an option to purchase 12 more in the future.
As of early 2025, Morocco has received the first batch of six AH-64Es, which were formally welcomed during a ceremony at the 1st Air Base in Salé in March 2025
Morocco has invested in drones acquitting Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci. These unmanned aerial vehicles offer long-range surveillance and strike options, with the Akinci capable of carrying air-to-air missiles and conducting electronic warfare.
Morocco has reportedly acquired Elbit Hermes drones, known for their long endurance and high-resolution surveillance capabilities.
The country is also investing in a local drone manufacturing facility, under a joint venture with Baykar.
Recent acquisitions, including Javelin anti-tank missile systems, reflect Morocco’s shift toward precision-guided munitions and mobile, high-impact systems. These tools enhance the RMAF’s ability to support ground operations and deter regional threats, particularly in the Sahara and Sahel regions.
As Morocco prioritizes technological edge over numerical strength, it has also been fostering partnerships with key armament producers such as the US, Turkey and Israel.
During the annual African Lion military drills, Moroccan F-16 Fighting Falcons participated in air-to-air refueling drills with U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers at Ben Guerir Air Base, enhancing long-range operational readiness.
The Moroccan air force deployed C-130 Hercules aircraft alongside U.S. C-130J Super Hercules for aeromedical evacuation and tactical airlift missions, demonstrating interoperability in real-world scenarios
With over 133 billion dirhams allocated to defense in 2025, Morocco is not just modernizing its capabilities but also redefining its role as a regional military power, with air superiority at the core of its doctrine.
