Morocco Marks 70th Anniversary of Royal Armed Forces
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Today, Morocco commemorates the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), highlighting seven decades of military modernization, humanitarian service, and expanding international cooperation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Established in 1956 by the late Mohammed V following Morocco’s independence, the Royal Armed Forces have evolved into one of the region’s most advanced military institutions. The FAR continue to focus on safeguarding the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, ensuring national security and stability, and supporting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters.
In recent years, Morocco has intensified efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and strengthen military infrastructure. As part of a broader defense modernization strategy launched under the directives of King Mohammed VI, Morocco received in 2026 the second batch of seven AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, regarded among the world’s most advanced attack aircraft. The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the country’s operational readiness and defense capabilities.
The modernization drive also reflects Morocco’s strategy to diversify military partnerships while advancing toward greater defense industry sovereignty. Authorities are pursuing the development of a national military industry aimed at reinforcing strategic resilience and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Alongside its defense role, the FAR continue to play a vital humanitarian role across the Kingdom. Following severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall that affected several regions in 2026, King Mohammed VI ordered the immediate mobilization of military personnel and logistical resources to assist affected communities.
Military intervention units, working in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities, were deployed with transport equipment, emergency aid supplies, and temporary shelter solutions for residents impacted by the storms.
The anniversary also highlighted social support initiatives benefiting military personnel and their families. Morocco’s Military Housing and Equipment Agency (ALEM) provided housing assistance to more than 4,000 new beneficiaries in 2025, bringing the total number of recipients to nearly 52,000 by year-end.
Authorities additionally addressed housing cases involving approximately 12,000 families living in unsafe homes built on military land as part of a broader social support initiative. Around 5,300 housing units were also allocated to military personnel and their families.
Morocco’s military service program continues to attract strong interest among young citizens, with officials describing it as a platform that promotes discipline, citizenship, professional training, and employment opportunities for Moroccan youth.
On the international level, Morocco remains among the leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions and continues to expand specialized training through the Peace Operations Center of Excellence in Benslimane.
The Kingdom has also strengthened defense cooperation with international partners through major joint military exercises, notably the African Lion drills organized with the United States and allied nations. Now in its 22nd edition, the exercise underscores Morocco’s growing role as a regional security partner and a key contributor to stability across Africa and beyond.
