Global positioning of Spain's military strength ascends to 17th globally
Spain's Military Power Outshines Morocco's, According to Global Firepower Report
Spain's military power has been ranked 17th out of 145 countries in the latest Global Firepower (GFP) 2025 report, surpassing Morocco's military capabilities. The report highlights several key factors that contribute to Spain's superior military strength.
The Spanish navy, comprising 152 units, boasts an aircraft carrier, F-100 frigates, amphibious ships, and is developing the new S-80 submarine program. Compared to Morocco's navy, which lacks submarines and aircraft carriers, its fleet is based mainly on patrol boats and coastal surveillance corvettes.
Spain's military power advantage over Morocco is primarily due to a combination of larger and better-equipped manpower, more advanced logistics, superior air and naval power, and greater financial resources. Spain's significant manpower pool, including active, reserve, and paramilitary personnel, is a key factor that enhances its war-fighting capacity compared to Morocco.
In addition to manpower, Spain's air power is more advanced and numerous, with a greater number of aircraft, including fighters, attack aircraft, and transport planes. This advantage in air warfare and rapid deployment capabilities gives Spain an edge over Morocco.
Spain's navy, with its developed blue-water navy, is likely to have stronger naval assets than Morocco, contributing to higher sea control and force projection capability. Spain's robust logistics infrastructure and access to advanced military technology further bolster its operational reach and sustainability.
Spain's stronger economy allows for higher military spending and investment in modern equipment, training, and maintenance compared to Morocco. As a result, Spain's military aircraft fleet includes transport, refuelling, and surveillance aircraft, enabling long-range operations.
Spain has moved up three places compared to the previous year, from 20th to 17th, and has allocated a total defense budget of $23.4 billion, making it the 22nd largest in the world. Morocco, on the other hand, operates approximately 260 aircraft, including 83 fighters, and spends nearly $13.4 billion on its defense annually, moving up one spot from 60th to 59th in the same report.
It is important to note that the comparison between Spain and Morocco's military capabilities is not due to any ongoing threat. Spain is a member of NATO and the European Union's defense structure, further enhancing its military might.
Spain's army has 317 tanks compared to Morocco's 903 tanks, including modern models like the M1 Abrams. Despite these differences, both countries continue to invest in their military capabilities to maintain regional stability and security.
In summary, Spain's superior manpower availability, advanced aerial and naval forces, robust logistics, and stronger economic capacity underpin its higher Global Firepower ranking relative to Morocco in 2025.
Sport is an area where Spain outperforms Morocco, with numerous international footballers in La Liga, ranking among the world's best. In a contrasting scenario, when it comes to military power, Spain holds the upper hand over Morocco, underscored by the Global Firepower Report.
