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Morocco and Pakistan are reportedly close to signing a military cooperation agreement aimed at deepening their strategic partnership in defense and security, according to military sources cited by a defense-focused Arabic media outlet.
The agreement is expected to include the local production of Pakistani weapons in Morocco. This initiative reflects Rabat’s broader goal of diversifying its strategic partnerships and expanding its network of defense allies, the same source noted.
Pakistan, through its Defense Production Establishment (DPE) and key institutions such as Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), established in 1971, has developed advanced defense manufacturing capabilities. The country produces tanks like the Al-Khalid and Al-Dhargham, armored vehicles, heavy ammunition, and light weapons.
Pakistan also manufactures the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, co-developed with China and produced independently in upgraded versions since 2010.
Following in a Rival’s Footsteps
Military cooperation between Morocco and Pakistan has steadily expanded since the February 2020 visit of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, then Chief of Pakistan’s Army Staff, to Morocco. In November 2024, Major General Mohamed Gadih, Inspector of the Royal Air Forces, visited Islamabad to meet with Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, his Pakistani counterpart.
These high-level exchanges paved the way for a broader bilateral defense program. In April, Moroccan Royal Armed Forces and Pakistani special forces conducted joint training exercises in Cherat. Morocco also took part in an international military drill held in Pakistan in October 2023.
The upcoming agreement comes as Morocco has already strengthened defense ties with Pakistan’s historical rival, India. In September 2024, Rabat partnered with Indian conglomerate Tata to produce WhAP 8×8 land combat vehicles. That deal was followed by the December 2024 visit of Indian defense industry representatives to Rabat, where they met with Abdeltif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration.
More recently, on May 29, the Indian ambassador to Rabat met with Loudiyi to discuss further strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, according to a statement from the Indian embassy.
