Morocco now reportedly holds an advantage over Spain in a field that has become central to modern armed forces: drones. This is the assessment made by Francisco Bendala, a former Spanish lieutenant-colonel, who nevertheless acknowledges Madrid’s superiority in the air and at sea.
Morocco is reportedly rapidly strengthening its air defenses in the north of the country. Radars, artillery and anti-aircraft systems are said to be deployed to form a “bubble” whose coverage could, according to a Spanish military source, reach southern Spain.
Moroccan pilots will have two full-mission simulators replicating the future F-16 Block 72s. The United States has just awarded CAE a contract worth up to $42.1 million to install this equipment, notably at Sidi Slimane Air Base.
Algeria may have gained a technological advantage over Morocco in the fighter jet race. The reported arrival of the first Russian Su-57s contrasts with Rabat’s discussions, which have still made no concrete progress toward acquiring the American F-35.
Harmattan AI does not plan merely to manufacture its systems in Morocco. The defense company is developing a new fixed-wing drone in Rabat, whose trials will be conducted at several Moroccan sites, including vast areas located in the south of the country.
Morocco’s military purchases from France underwent a major shift in 2025. Recorded orders reached 532.1 million euros, compared with just 13.1 million euros a year earlier—an increase of more than 40-fold.
Morocco is among the clients highlighted in the new review of French arms exports. In 2025, France secured €21.2 billion in orders, including H225M Caracal helicopters purchased by the Kingdom.
The Royal Air Forces have a diversified fleet, largely equipped by the United States and France. Despite its F-16s, Mirages and the arrival of new combat helicopters, Morocco remains far from the world’s leading air powers.
Facing the accelerated modernization of the Algerian air force, now turning toward Chinese technology in addition to its Russian fighters, Morocco is adapting its strategy. The kingdom is considering the acquisition of the French Rafale F4.3 to lock down its airspace and maintain regional balance.
Rabat is actively negotiating the acquisition of Barkan 3 autonomous ground vehicles from Ankara. This strategic initiative accelerates the modernization of Moroccan armed forces to secure borders, while reducing human exposure to fire.
The Royal Armed Forces are equipping themselves with an Airbus C295. This acquisition, revealed by a recent photograph, modernizes the Moroccan military fleet while fitting into the recent diplomatic rapprochement with Spain.
New satellite images confirm the commissioning of the Sidi Yahia base . This strategic site now hosts the Israeli Spyder system, strengthening territorial protection against modern aerial threats such as drones and missiles.