Annual defense budget: $1.31bn 

Defense spending trend: Down 3% in 2002

Morocco's long struggle in Western Sahara against Polisario Front guerrillas earned the kingdom's forces a formidable reputation. Moroccans have also fought as mercenaries in the Gulf. In the 1980s, Moroccan sappers constructed a 2500-km (1550-mile) defensive wall to cordon off Western Sahara in an attempt to prevent incursions from Polisario guerrillas based in Algeria. The Polisario forces themselves number some 3000–6000.

Morocco's pro-Western stance has allowed its forces access to sophisticated weapons and training from the West, particularly the US – unlike other north African states, which have been dependent on the former Soviet bloc.

The air force was formed in 1956 and flies US and European aircraft, notably Mirage interceptors. The navy uses Western-supplied ships, but is insignificant in regional terms. In addition, there are 50,000 paramilitaries.

Spending on defense as a percentage of gross national income is relatively high for a developing country.

Conscription lasts for 18 months. In practice most enlisted personnel volunteer.

MOROCCAN ARMED FORCES

Army
		744 main battle tanks (224 M-48A5, 420 M-60, 100 T-72)		175,000 personnel
Navy
		2 frigates and 27 patrol boats		7800 personnel
Air force
		95 combat aircraft (39 F-5, 29 Mirage F-1, 4 0V-10, 23 Alpha Jet)		13,500 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004