Royal Attention Elevates Morocco’s Military to an Advanced Global Ranking

20th January 2025

6 minutes read

Royal Attention Elevates Morocco's Military to an Advanced Global Ranking

The international platform Global Firepower, which monitors global military developments and ranks countries based on their current firepower capabilities, highlights the significant transformations taking place within the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

The site shed light on Morocco’s efforts to modernize its military forces, upgrade their capabilities, develop the defense industry, and improve the working conditions of its personnel.

According to the same source, Morocco ranks sixth in the Arab world in terms of firepower index, seventh in Africa, and second in the Maghreb region, following Algeria, which holds the 26th position globally. Egypt leads the continent, ranking 19th worldwide.

In recent years, Morocco has garnered international media attention and specialized reports that closely follow the substantial transformations across various sectors and the qualitative leap achieved by this North African nation, solidifying its role as a force for stability, a pillar of security and peace, and a key international partner in combating terrorism and organized crime.

The transformations, directed and overseen by King Mohammed VI, include advancements in sustainable development, investments in renewable energy, and qualitative upgrades to infrastructure across all fields (transport, industry, healthcare, sports, education, etc.), alongside improvements in the defense sector and the localization of defense industries.

King Mohammed VI‘s forward-looking vision emphasizes two main objectives: enhancing national security and focusing on regional and international security through extensive partnerships with global players to support peace and sustainable development.

A Global Firepower report on the ranking of the world’s strongest armies noted that Morocco has climbed from the 59th position among 145 countries to a higher ranking in 2025, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, defense industries, and expanding defense investments.

Morocco’s defense budget for 2025 has seen a notable increase, rising from $11.7 billion in 2024 to $12.73 billion this year.

The platform’s annual report also highlighted the composition of Morocco’s armed forces, stating that they now include 200,000 active personnel, 150,000 reservists, and 50,000 paramilitary members.

He expressed “his satisfaction with the determination, discipline, altruism, and compliance demonstrated by young Moroccan men and women after their integration into the ranks of the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the National Security, the Auxiliary Forces, and other public services, administrations, and civilian institutions following their military training.”

He urged all officials to redouble their efforts to preserve the tangible achievements of military service and continue developing it further.

He added: “For us, as Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, this occasion is an opportunity to renew our kindness and satisfaction towards you and to express our gratitude for the sacrifices you make with dedication and selflessness in serving territorial unity and protecting national borders.”

Addressing all members of the Royal Armed Forces, he stated: “Your fulfillment of the heavy duties entrusted to you in defending the homeland’s sovereignty, safeguarding its territorial integrity, and your continuous efforts to serve your country in various military, security, humanitarian, social, and educational fields, in addition to your deep commitment to responsibility and seriousness, make you a model of loyalty and dedication.”

He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that “the Royal Armed Forces continue to uphold their authentic values and long-standing traditions, and remain capable of fulfilling their noble missions of defending the homeland and its citizens under the best possible conditions.”

He stressed the importance of Moroccan institutes, schools, and centers continuing to supply the Royal Armed Forces with national cadres and military skills, including officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, qualified to perform their responsibilities with proficiency and efficiency.

He praised the tremendous work carried out by the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces in defending the kingdom’s unity with dedication and loyalty to the Green March oath, as well as the soldiers guarding the kingdom’s land, air, and sea borders.

Morocco has successfully transformed into an emerging military power in its region, thanks to a strategy established by King Mohammed VI, which relies on adapting to international advancements in weaponry and strengthening the army’s capabilities with the latest equipment, while ensuring the transfer of technology to Moroccan expertise.

Recently, the kingdom has completed numerous armament deals, including American armored vehicles, “Javelin” missiles, and the “HIMARS” missile system. It is also preparing to receive a fleet of “Apache” helicopters specialized in combat military missions. Additionally, several agreements have been signed with other countries like China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to avoid dependence on a single market.

Morocco is preparing to establish industrial zones specialized in defense industries, while several leading global companies in the field have expressed their interest in investing in the kingdom. This initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to economic and social development by creating new job opportunities for Moroccan youth.

He also outlined the arsenal of the Moroccan army, noting that the Moroccan ground forces possess 903 tanks, 7877 armored vehicles, and 396 self-propelled artillery systems, while the air forces have 260 aircraft, including 83 fighter jets, and the navy boasts 6 frigates and 105 patrol boats.

In May of last year, the King of Morocco ordered a comprehensive evaluation of military training programs for all soldiers, emphasizing the need to initiate a new dynamic in line with the rapid transformations of today’s world. He pointed out that the world is currently experiencing concerning tensions, with an increased likelihood of war in various regions.

The royal directives reflect King Mohammed VI‘s strong commitment to developing the Moroccan army at all levels, whether through adopting the latest training technologies or enhancing defensive and logistical capabilities. Significant progress has also been made toward establishing a national defense industry, as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on imports.

On the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the Royal Armed Forces‘ establishment, King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, stated:
“To advance the system of higher military education, we have ordered the construction of a new headquarters for the Royal College of Higher Military Studies as an integrated academic hub. This hub will host all higher military training schools for officers of the land, air, and naval forces, as well as the Royal Gendarmerie. It will provide comprehensive education aligned with modern methodologies and advanced technologies, and will be open to continental and international arenas,” according to the Moroccan news agency MAP.

The King praised the remarkable enthusiasm of Moroccan youth for military service, emphasizing the continued success of this initiative, which offers opportunities for training and professional qualification. This approach combines fostering a sense of national belonging, assuming responsibility, and opening up future opportunities for young people, enabling them to contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

He added: “Today’s world is witnessing concerning tensions and unprecedented rapid changes, characterized by polarizations, shifting alliances, and an increase in the likelihood of war in various parts of the world. These circumstances necessitate a reevaluation of security and defense concepts, as well as adapting programs and strategies to growing threats and challenges, requiring alignment with and adaptation to these conditions.”

Lastly, the King reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to: “Developing the capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces in all their components and providing them with modern technical equipment and necessary resources through training and qualification programs for human resources, while devising integrated plans that ensure continuous operational readiness and strengthen defensive capabilities under all circumstances.”