Morocco Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 40th
MPR SCORE: 739
MPR Index: 0.3153 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.6490 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +0.762 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Morocco ranks 40th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR), making it one of the most capable armed forces in North Africa and the Arab world. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) are structured around the pillars of territorial defense, counterterrorism, and strategic modernization, with growing capability in air, land, and maritime domains. Morocco's geographic location—commanding access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar—further enhances its strategic importance. Combined with ongoing procurement from Western partners, Morocco is solidifying its role as a regional defense power with increasing interoperability with NATO and U.S.-aligned forces.
Strengths: Modernization, Strategic Positioning, and Force Readiness
Morocco’s military power is built on a foundation of 3 factors - steady modernization, disciplined manpower, and a focus on multi-domain capabilities:
1. Air and Ground Force Modernization
Morocco fields a rapidly improving air force centered around:
F-16V Viper fighter jets
Upgraded F-5s and Mirage F1s
Modern UAVs acquired from the U.S., Israel, and Turkey.
The Royal Moroccan Army includes T-72B tanks, M1A1 Abrams MBTs, and M109A5 self-propelled howitzers, with growing recon and special forces support units.
2. Naval Growth and Maritime Security
Morocco’s Royal Navy operates SIGMA-class frigates, Floreal-class light frigates, and modern patrol vessels to secure territorial waters, protect fishing rights, and monitor maritime traffic through the Strait of Gibraltar.
With growing anti-submarine and coastal defense capabilities, Morocco maintains credible naval deterrence in the western Mediterranean.
3. International Engagement and Strategic Alliances
Morocco is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, participates in joint exercises like African Lion, and maintains defense cooperation with France, Israel, and Spain.
FAR regularly deploys peacekeeping troops under UN missions in Africa, enhancing diplomatic influence and real-world operational experience.
Why Morocco Ranks 40th in 2025
While Morocco is a regional standout in terms of modernization and partnerships, several limitations keep it from breaking into the top 30 globally:
1. No Strategic Deterrent or Power Projection
Morocco is a non-nuclear power, with no long-range ballistic missile force or heavy bombers.
Its military is configured for national defense, counterinsurgency, and border stability, not strategic offense or expeditionary warfighting.
While the navy is modern, it lacks blue-water capabilities or global reach.
2. Limited Indigenous Military Industry
Morocco imports nearly all major systems and is heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for air platforms, sensors, munitions, and upgrades.
While domestic maintenance is expanding, there is no large-scale production of main battle tanks, aircraft, or missile systems.
3. Regional and Internal Focus
The FAR is heavily oriented toward:
Western Sahara conflict preparedness
Counterterrorism in the Sahel region
Border monitoring and civil-military stability
Its doctrine reflects a defensive and deterrence-first strategy, with limited capacity to wage a sustained high-intensity campaign beyond its borders.
Conclusion
Morocco is a regional military leader that combines strategic geography, growing military professionalism, and modern Western hardware into a cohesive defense posture. Its ability to operate in multiple domains and contribute to coalition operations makes it a vital military partner in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Its ranking of 40th in the 2025 MPR reflects its steadily advancing modernization and tactical competence, while also recognizing the absence of strategic depth, power projection, or independent global influence. Morocco is built for regional leadership and national defense, not for global military dominance.
Military Strength and Force Projection:
Active Military Personnel: 195,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 150,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 50,000 (Royal Gendarmerie)
Army Personnel: 150,000
Navy Personnel: 30,000
Air Force Personnel: 15,000
Ground Forces:
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 500+ (M1 Abrams, T-72)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 1,500+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 400+
Air Force:
Combat Aircraft: 80+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 50+
Transport Aircraft: 25+
Aircraft Breakdown:
F-16 Fighting Falcons: 24
Mirage F1: 12
C-130 Hercules: 6 (transport)
Naval Forces:
Submarines: None
Frigates: 3 (SIGMA-class)
Corvettes: 4
Patrol Vessels: 25+
Fast Attack Craft: 10+
Missile Capabilities:
Morocco does not possess strategic missile capabilities but has focused on bolstering its anti-ship and air defense systems, particularly with the acquisition of U.S. and European technology to protect its borders and coastal areas.
Strategic Partnerships:
Morocco has strong defense ties with the United States and France, and it is a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. Morocco has also cooperated with other African and Arab nations on security matters, including counterterrorism and border defense. Morocco’s strategic partnerships help it maintain regional security and ensure access to advanced military technologies.
Military History & Combat Experience
Morocco’s military history reflects a focus on territorial control, regional deterrence, and internal stabilization, rather than conventional wars against peer adversaries. Key engagements include:
1963 Sand War (vs. Algeria): A brief but intense border war following Algerian independence. The conflict ended inconclusively but set the stage for long-term tensions between the two neighbors.
Western Sahara War (1975–1991): Morocco annexed the former Spanish Sahara, leading to a protracted guerrilla war against the Polisario Front. Morocco built the world’s longest defensive sand berm, securing control over most of the contested territory. A UN-brokered ceasefire has held since 1991, though the conflict remains diplomatically unresolved.
Counterterrorism & Border Operations (2000s–present): Moroccan special forces and intelligence services play a major role in counterterrorism operations across the Sahel, while maintaining domestic stability in the face of regional insurgencies.
Peacekeeping Deployments: Morocco has contributed forces to UN missions in Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic, gaining operational experience in multilateral missions.
These engagements shaped Morocco’s doctrine into one focused on defensive resilience, intelligence-driven warfare, and regional influence through security cooperation.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~38.9 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~16.2 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 446,550 km² (excluding Western Sahara); ~710,850 km² (including Western Sahara)
Land Boundaries: 2,018 km
Bordering Countries: Algeria, Western Sahara, Spain (via Ceuta and Melilla enclaves)
Coastline: 1,835 km (Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea)
Climate: Mediterranean in the north, arid in the interior and south; alpine in mountainous regions
Terrain: Coastal plains, Atlas Mountains, Rif Mountains, Sahara desert expanses
Natural Resources: Phosphates (largest reserves globally), iron ore, manganese, lead, salt, hydropower potential
Proven Oil Reserves: ~1 million barrels (exploratory potential ongoing)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~1.4 billion cubic meters
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$5.5 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~3.9%
GDP (PPP): ~$420 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$10,800
External Debt: ~$63 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Rapidly increasing; driven by tensions with Algeria, Western Sahara operations, and arms modernization
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Mandatory for males and females (12 months); law reinstated in 2019
Primary Defense Focus: Deterrence against Algeria, control of Western Sahara, maritime and border security
Military Industry Base: Growing; partnerships with U.S., Israel, and Turkey; domestic production of small arms, vehicles, and drones initiated
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing; integrated under Royal Armed Forces’ strategic modernization plan
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided into Northern, Southern, and Eastern military zones; Western Sahara under separate command
Missile Inventory Highlights: Chinese WS-2D rockets, French MICA, Israeli Barak-8 (procured), TOW, Spike LR, Harpoon, and Patriot PAC-3 (pending)
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Established system with active pool and civic reserves; ~30–45 days for full mobilization
Reservist Force Size: ~200,000–250,000 (trained and auxiliary reservists)
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Mohammed VI-A and VI-B reconnaissance satellites; operated by Royal Armed Forces and CNESTEN
Military Satellite Inventory: 2 operational high-resolution satellites; capable of ISR and real-time monitoring
Intelligence Infrastructure: DGED (foreign intelligence), DST (domestic), military intelligence under General Staff
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., France, Israel, Gulf States; regional coordination in North and West Africa
Airports (Total): ~60 (civilian and military)
Major Military Airports: Rabat-Salé, Meknes, Beni Mellal, Laayoune (Western Sahara)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~40 vessels
Major Ports: Casablanca, Tangier Med, Agadir, Nador, Dakhla
Naval Infrastructure: Operates FREMM frigate, Sigma-class corvettes, OPVs; expanding anti-submarine and missile capabilities
Naval Replenishment Capability: Limited to regional support; modernization ongoing with foreign procurement
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~2,300 km (operated by ONCF; includes high-speed rail)
Roadways: ~60,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~2,000 barrels per day
Energy Imports: Highly import-dependent; reliant on foreign refined fuels and LNG
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: ~25–30 days of consumption; managed under national energy security policy
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Produces small arms, ammunition, UAVs (joint with Israel and Turkey), and light armored vehicles
Military Installations (Domestic): Over 50 major installations; significant presence in Western Sahara and Algerian border zones
Military Installations (Overseas): None officially; supports African Union missions and UN peacekeeping
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: None permanent; joint training programs with U.S., France, and Gulf States
Defense Alliances: Strong bilateral ties with U.S., Israel, Gulf States, France; African and Arab League military cooperation
Strategic Airlift Capability: Operates C-130 Hercules, CN-235, and Boeing 747 (civilian repurposed); expanding airlift fleet
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Moderate; supported by defense-industrial cooperation agreements with Israel and UAE
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Focused on UAVs, secure communications, artillery systems, and joint tech parks with Israel
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: OCP Group (phosphates), ONCF (rail), RAM (aviation), TAQA Morocco (energy), MANAGEM (mining)
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Rabat
Founding Date: March 2, 1956 (independence from France)
System of Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
