Morocco's Steady Military Growth Compared to Spain's Sudden Spike in Defense Spending
In recent years, Morocco has dedicated nearly double the percentage of its GDP to defense compared to Spain, a striking statistic highlighted by the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). While Spain's military expenditure surged to 2.1% of its GDP in 2025, primarily due to a controversial budgetary decision, Morocco's military effort has been consistently higher, hovering around 3.5%, with projections for 2026 indicating an increase to 4% of its GDP. This difference in approach underscores a more sustained commitment from Rabat, which emphasizes long-term planning over Spain's abrupt financial maneuvering.
According to SIPRI's data published this past April, Spain's defense spending reached a staggering $40.2 billion last year, showcasing a 50% increase from the previous year—the highest among the world's top 15 military spenders. Over the past decade, Spain's military budget has grown by nearly 122%, coinciding with a broader European rearmament trend that saw the continent's military expenditure rise by 14% last year, totaling $864 billion—the highest on record. In contrast, Morocco's defense budget stood at $6.3 billion, reflecting a modest 6.6% increase, yet still securing its position as the second-largest military spender in Africa, trailing only Algeria.
Strategic Defense Investments: Morocco vs. Spain
The disparity between Spain and Morocco's military investments extends beyond mere financial figures. Spain's recent budgetary increase is rooted in a politically fragile framework; the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, amounting to €10.471 billion, was approved in April 2025 without a parliamentary vote, relying on budget extensions from previous years. Meanwhile, Morocco's financial planning for 2026 allocates 73 billion dirhams (approximately €6.9 billion) to its National Defense Administration, with a notable emphasis on developing a self-sustaining military industry. This includes significant investments in military infrastructure, with 17.7 billion dirhams set aside for investments aimed at bolstering domestic defense capabilities.
Morocco's procurement strategy is clearly defined, focusing on equipment that caters to its immediate regional challenges. The country is enhancing its military capabilities with acquisitions like 24 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, 25 new F-16 Block 72 fighter jets, and advanced AMRAAM missiles. These purchases are not only strategically aligned but are also executed in a timely manner, allowing Morocco to rapidly enhance its combat readiness. Conversely, Spain's defense programs, while technologically advanced, are often characterized by long development cycles—such as the delayed delivery of the F-110 frigate and NH90 helicopters, which may take years to become operational.
Furthermore, Morocco's agility in low-cost military technology procurement, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, has positioned it well within the evolving landscape of modern warfare. The acquisition of drones, including Bayraktar TB2s, has provided Morocco with operational capabilities that are both effective and economically viable, while Spain's development of its tactical SIRTAP drone appears to lag significantly behind, with operational deployment not expected until late 2026.
Geopolitically, the implications of these military investments are significant. With a population of around 250,000 personnel, Morocco's military is poised to respond effectively to regional crises, leveraging its geographic advantages. In contrast, Spain's military, with approximately 116,000 active personnel, would face challenges in projecting power without substantial logistical support from across the Mediterranean. This scenario emphasizes the critical importance of proximity and readiness in military engagements, particularly in rapid response situations.
As reported by larazon.es.
