The Kingdom of Morocco has emerged as the leading arms importer in Africa, according to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released on March 9, 2026.
Between the periods of 2016–2020 and 2021–2025, Morocco increased its acquisitions of major weaponry by 12%. This surge in military imports occurs alongside a significant shift in regional dynamics, as neighboring Algeria saw its arms imports plummet by 78% during the same timeframe.
These regional statistics reflect a broader global trend in military procurement, with the total volume of international arms transfers rising by 9.2%. This growth is largely driven by the rapid remilitarization of Europe following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Europe has now become the world’s primary destination for arms, with its imports tripling to account for 33% of global transfers between 2021 and 2025. This acceleration is most pronounced among the 29 European NATO member states, whose combined imports spiked by 143% as they modernized their defense systems with a focus on American-made fighter jets and long-range air defense capabilities.
The United States continues to dominate the global export market, providing 42% of all international arms transfers to 99 different countries. While the U.S. remains the primary supplier for European nations, providing 58% of their equipment, other exporters like South Korea, Israel, and France also maintain significant roles in the shifting defense landscape. Morocco’s rise to the top of the African list underscores its strategic focus on military modernization during a period of intense global and regional realignment.
MK/Sf/fss/abj/APA