Morocco’s Military Strength: Tanks, Jets and Frigates (2026)
Morocco’s military inventory reflects one of North Africa’s most modern and balanced armed forces. US-origin F-16 fighters and M1 Abrams tanks, a French-origin FREMM frigate and Bayraktar TB2 UAVs procured for security needs in Western Sahara illustrate the country’s multi-source procurement strategy. The ongoing regional rivalry with Algeria is the main driver setting Morocco’s modernization pace.
At a Glance
- Active personnel: ≈ 200.000
- Main battle tanks: ≈ 1.300
- Military aircraft (total): ≈ 260
- Key fighter: F-16C/D Block 52, Mirage F1
- GFP ranking: ≈ 57
- NATO membership: Non-member (US major non-NATO ally)
Note: The inventory figures below are approximate values drawn from open sources such as Global Firepower, the IISS Military Balance and SIPRI.
About the Morocco Armed Forces
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), with around 200,000 active personnel, form one of North Africa’s strongest militaries. Comprising Army, Air Force, Navy and a Royal Guard, the structure is in continuous modernization because of the Western Sahara issue and the regional rivalry with Algeria.
The defining feature of the inventory is its multi-source procurement. Historically reliant on the US and France, Morocco has in recent years deepened defence cooperation with Israel (Barak MX, surveillance systems) and Turkey (Bayraktar TB2), broadening its supplier base. Upgrading the F-16 fleet to the F-16V standard and acquiring 25 F-16 Block 72 aircraft sit at the centre of its air-power modernization.
Land Forces Inventory
| System type | Est. quantity |
|---|---|
| Main battle tanks (M1A1 SA Abrams, T-72B, VT-1A, M60A3) | ≈ 1.300 |
| Armoured fighting vehicles (VAB, Ratel, M113, Fahd) | ≈ 3.000 |
| Howitzers / self-propelled guns (M109, AU-F1, M114/M46) | ≈ 600 |
| MLRS (BM-21 Grad, AR2, PULS) | ≈ 70 |
Air Force Inventory
| Platform | Est. quantity |
|---|---|
| Total military aircraft | ≈ 260 |
| Fighters (F-16C/D Block 52, Mirage F1, F-5E/F) | ≈ 70 |
| Trainer / light attack (Alpha Jet, T-6C, AT-802) | ≈ 40 |
| Helicopters (SA342 Gazelle/HOT, CH-47D, SA330 Puma; AH-64E on order) | ≈ 130 |
Missile and Air-Defence Systems
| System | Type / Note |
|---|---|
| Barak MX (Israeli-origin) | Medium/long-range air defence (procurement/modernization) |
| MIM-23 HAWK | Medium-range air defence (ageing) |
| M48 Chaparral | Short-range air defence |
| MANPADS (Strela-2, FN-6) and gun (ZU-23) | Very-short-range / point air defence |
Naval Power
| Class / Type | Est. quantity |
|---|---|
| Total naval platforms | ≈ 120 |
| Frigates (FREMM Mohammed VI, SIGMA 10513/9813) | ≈ 4 |
| Corvettes / patrol vessels (Floréal-class, OPV-70/64) | ≈ 10 |
| Submarines | None |
The Turkey Angle: Turkish Defence Industry
Morocco represents one of the most tangible examples of cooperation for Turkey’s defence industry in Africa. From 2021 the country added Bayraktar TB2 armed UAVs to its inventory; these platforms delivered a genuine capability reportedly used in surveillance across Morocco’s vast desert and coastline and in security operations in Western Sahara. The TB2 moved Turkey into a lasting supplier position within Morocco’s multi-source procurement strategy.
The potential for deeper cooperation continues with interest in Baykar’s heavier Akinci strike UAV. Morocco’s large exclusive economic zone and long coastline offer a benchmark use case for ASELSAN’s electro-optical and radar systems, Roketsan’s guided munitions and naval-platform system supply. Carrying no political export restrictions, the Turkish industry is positioned as an option that balances Morocco’s dependence on the US and France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morocco’s main fighter jet? The Royal Moroccan Air Force’s most capable fighter is the F-16C/D Block 52; the inventory also includes upgraded Mirage F1 and F-5E/F fleets. Morocco is upgrading its existing F-16s to the F-16V standard and procuring 25 new F-16 Block 72 aircraft.
Does Morocco have defence cooperation with Turkey? Yes. From 2021 Morocco took delivery of Bayraktar TB2 armed UAVs, reportedly using them in security operations. Turkey now sits among the lasting suppliers within Morocco’s multi-source procurement strategy.
How many tanks does Morocco have? The Moroccan Army operates around 1,300 main battle tanks; the most modern portion consists of M1A1 SA Abrams tanks procured from the US, with T-72Bs, Chinese-origin VT-1As and ageing M60A3s also in the inventory.
Bottom Line
With its multi-source, balanced procurement, Morocco is one of Africa’s most modern militaries; diversifying its US- and French-origin core toward Israel and Turkey, the Bayraktar TB2 acquisition establishes a tangible and growing link to Turkey’s defence industry.
