North Africa’s $31. 7B Military Buildup: Algeria and Morocco’s Strategic Race Amid Libyan Instability Johannesburg, South Africa – In the wake of NATO’s 2011 intervention in Libya, a $31. 7 billion arms race has emerged between Algeria and Morocco, reflecting the region’s deepening security concerns and the lingering instability in Libya.
Algeria’s military budget surged to $25. 4 billion in 2025, marking an 11% increase and accounting for 8. 8% of its GDP.
This figure, second only to war — torn Ukraine, highlights the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amidst regional uncertainties. Morocco, on the other hand, has increased its military spending by 6. 6% to $6.
3 billion, driven largely by the Western Sahara dispute and strategic considerations. This spending is nearly twice that of South Africa and three times that of Nigeria, despite having larger economies. Algeria’s military posture has been shaped by the aftermath of the 2011 Libyan conflict, instability along its eastern border, and the Sahel region, as well as efforts to deter future Western-backed interventions.
The nation has recently received its first Russian Su — 34M strike fighters, signifying a closer defense relationship with Russia. Morocco, under a Western-backed military modernization program, has expanded its US-built F-16 fleet and has been linked to potential F-35 stealth fighter acquisitions.
The nation’s defense ties with Israel and its status as a major non-NATO US ally have further solidified its defense partnerships.
The arms race between Algeria and Morocco is underpinned by their respective economic strengths. Algeria’s oil and gas wealth funds its substantial military budget, while Morocco’s diversified economy, including manufacturing, tourism, and mining, supports its military spending.
The Libyan conflict’s protracted nature has reshaped North Africa’s security order, with Egypt becoming the region’s leading military power. Algeria and Morocco’s expansion of their forces follows the fragmentation of Libya, which once held Africa’s largest proven oil reserves and significant gold reserves.
As the region grapples with the legacy of NATO’s intervention in Libya, the arms race between Algeria and Morocco serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of foreign military interventions.
The future of North Africa hangs in the balance, with the potential for further conflict and instability if the underlying issues are not addressed.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Olamilekan Okebiorun
