2027 finance bill raises advance defense spending authorization to MAD 190.5 billion

Morocco’s 2027 Finance Bill authorizes the minister delegate to the head of government in charge of National Defense Administration to commit up to 190.5 billion dirhams ($19 billion) in advance during the 2027 fiscal year, against appropriations to be allocated in 2028, for the acquisition and repair of Royal Armed Forces equipment and the development of the country’s defense industry.

The amount, set out in Finance Bill No. 60.26, marks a significant increase from the 157.17 billion dirhams authorized under the 2026 Finance Law. The allocation stood at 133.45 billion dirhams in 2025 and 124.77 billion dirhams in 2024.

The rising authorization comes as Morocco seeks to modernize its armed forces, acquire advanced weapons systems and defense technologies, upgrade military equipment and strengthen its ability to address increasingly complex security challenges and protect its national borders.

It also supports the kingdom’s ambitions to develop a domestic defense industry by attracting investment and bringing defense technologies to Morocco, with the aim of strengthening military sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Marrakech International Air Show, Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi said Morocco had taken a series of measures to establish the foundations of a local defense industry, including the adoption of a legal framework designed to regulate the sector and encourage investment.

Loudyi cited Morocco’s business environment, security and economic stability, strategic location linking Arab, African and European countries, and Atlantic coastline as factors that could make the kingdom an attractive and competitive destination for defense industry investment.

He said Morocco’s approach to developing its national defense industry relies on attracting foreign investment and localizing military technology.

The country is determined to advance the sector, mobilize the resources needed to bring it to a higher level of development, strengthen partnerships and shift from importing defense capabilities toward building domestic capacity and greater defense sovereignty, Loudyi added.

King Mohammed VI also underscored the strategic importance of the sector in a speech marking the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne. He said establishing an industrial and technological base in defense manufacturing and cybersecurity would gradually strengthen Morocco’s defense sovereignty, create development opportunities and reinforce its position as a regional power in these industries.

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