
Morocco's Potential F-35 Acquisition Raises Concerns in Spain
Morocco plans to acquire the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin, to strengthen its air force, which would raise concerns in Spain.

Morocco plans to acquire the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin, to strengthen its air force, which would raise concerns in Spain.

5.8 billion dirhams. This is the budget that Morocco has planned in the 2025 finance bill to strengthen the surveillance of its borders with Algeria. These funds will be used to acquire weapons and ammunition and to build infrastructure to secure the border areas of the kingdom.

Morocco is going all out on its defense. The general budget of the National Defense Administration for 2025 has seen a significant increase, as revealed by Abdelatif Loudiyi, the delegate minister in charge of national defense administration, before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The Moroccan government has decided to give a significant boost to its defense industry. At its meeting on Thursday, November 14, the Council of Government approved the temporary exemption from corporate income tax (IS) for companies in the sector.

Morocco is preparing to receive its Turkish Bayraktar Akinci combat drones, ordered from the Baykar company. The delivery of these devices is scheduled for February 2025.

Morocco surpasses Spain in terms of military troops, according to the annual Global Firepower Index (GFP). A numerical superiority that can make the difference on a battlefield.

Since 2021, Morocco has shown interest in drones. The kingdom has acquired various models from China, Israel and Turkey and is about to place an order for new Turkish drones.

France has won major contracts in Morocco, thanks to the recent state visit of Emmanuel Macron to Rabat. Naval Group could be awarded the construction of a submarine for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

Navantia has launched the construction of the Avante 1800 patrol boat for the Royal Moroccan Navy. The production of this 89-meter-long ship should take three years.

The Spanish Navy has sent for the third time this year the auxiliary ship Mar Caribe near Moroccan waters. The objective is to supply water, fuel and various equipment to the military detachments on the Spanish islands and rocks claimed by Morocco.

The 2025 Finance Bill has provided a budget of 133 billion dirhams for the Ministry of Defense. A budget increase compared to 2024 when 124 billion were allocated to this department. These funds will be used to acquire new equipment for the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).

Is Spain afraid of the F-16 Block 70/72 that Morocco is preparing to acquire from the United States? Washington has announced the launch of the production of 24 units of these fighters, equipped with the Viper Shield defense system, for the benefit of the Royal Air Force.