Arms Race in North Africa: The U.S. and Russia Arm Rivals Morocco and Algeria

Tensions in North Africa are escalating sharply following Morocco’s recent agreement with the United States to purchase advanced air-defense missiles. The massive deal, valued at $825 million, includes 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles as well as extensive logistical and technical support.

The United States has long been Morocco’s primary weapons supplier. According to the US Office of Political-Military Affairs, American weapons account for over 90 percent of Morocco’s arms imports.

Since 2013, Morocco has received military equipment from the US worth nearly $4.5 billion, including combat helicopters, transport aircraft, and armored vehicles.

The rising military budget, which reached a record $13 billion this year, clearly demonstrates Morocco’s ambition to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in light of the ongoing Western Sahara conflict.

This conflict pits Morocco against Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s fight for Sahrawi independence.

In response, Algeria has bolstered its ties with Russia. In March, Algeria received its first Russian Su-35 fighter jets, signaling closer military cooperation with Moscow.

This move was further highlighted by Yuri Valayev, deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Defense and Security Committee, who recently visited Algeria to discuss further military assistance and arms deals.

Additionally, Algeria has secured a deal to acquire advanced Russian Su-57 fighter jets, making it Russia’s first international customer for this aircraft.

Algerian pilots have already begun training on the new jets, which are expected to become operational by the end of 2026.

This military buildup reflects not only the historical rivalry between Morocco and Algeria but also the global power struggle between the USA and Russia for influence in strategically important areas.

The conflict in the Western Sahara region thus serves as a flashpoint for tensions that could further destabilize the entire region.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.