Morocco and Pakistan near strategic military cooperation agreement

Morocco and Pakistan are reportedly close to finalizing a new military cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership in defense and security, according to military sources cited by an Arabic defense media outlet.

This upcoming deal will include the integration of Pakistani weapons manufacturing on Moroccan soil. This initiative aligns with Rabat’s strategy to diversify its strategic partnerships and expand its network of allies in the defense sector, the sources added.

Pakistan is well known for its advanced military industrial capabilities since the establishment in 1971 of its Defence Production Authority (DPE), alongside major groups like Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Pakistan is a key player in producing military equipment such as main battle tanks like the Al-Khalid and Al-Dhargham, armored vehicles, heavy ammunition, and small arms. Additionally, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, developed in collaboration with China, has been manufactured and upgraded in Pakistan since 2010.

Military cooperation between Rabat and Islamabad has been intensifying over recent years. During the February 2020 visit of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Pakistan Army Staff, to Morocco, both countries agreed to deepen their collaboration. In November 2024, Major General Mohamed Gadih, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, visited Islamabad to meet with his Pakistani counterpart, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

These exchanges led to the establishment of a bilateral program including joint training exercises between the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) special forces and their Pakistani counterparts, notably in April at Cherat. In October 2023, the FAR also participated in an international military exercise held in Pakistan.

This announcement comes amid India’s growing presence in Morocco, a historic rival of Pakistan. In September 2024, Morocco partnered with the Indian group Tata to produce WhAP 8×8 combat vehicles. This cooperation continued with a December visit by Indian defense industry representatives to Rabat, who met Abdeltif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate for the Administration of National Defense. Furthermore, on May 29, the Indian ambassador to Rabat met with the minister to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation.

The new agreement with Pakistan represents a significant milestone in Morocco’s policy of diversifying its military alliances, strengthening its strategic position in a rapidly changing region.