World’s 2nd-strongest non-nuclear military, with hypersonic “ship-killers,” fighter jets, SeaGuardian and underwater drones, deepens security ties with Morocco

Morocco and Japan are actively expanding their bilateral security and strategic partnerships to address modern global challenges. As Morocco seeks to diversify its international security partners, Japan is concurrently executing a major defense modernization, cementing its standing as the world's second-strongest non-nuclear military power.

• Morocco and Japan are strengthening their strategic and security partnership to address global threats.
• Japan is recognized as the world's second-strongest non-nuclear military, and Morocco is keen to diversify its defense partnerships.
• High-level talks in Rabat focused on coordinated responses to recent security challenges, with an emphasis on intelligence.
• Japan is investing heavily in advanced military technologies such as F-35 jets, advanced drones, and autonomous maritime systems.

This convergence of interests opens new avenues for defense technology sharing, maritime safety, and regional stability.

According to the 2026 Global Firepower index, Japan is firmly established within the world's top ten military powers .

Because South Korea is currently ranked as the world's fifth-strongest military power and the top four spots are occupied by nuclear-armed nations, South Korea and Japan stand as the two most powerful non-nuclear militaries on the globe.

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Japan's position as the world's second-strongest non-nuclear military reveals the immense military weight it brings to its international security partnerships

Japan-Morocco talks focus on shared security challenges

The updated cooperation was advanced during high-level talks in Rabat between Abdellatif Hammouchi, Morocco's Director General of National Security and National Territorial Surveillance, and Nakata Masahiro, Japan's Ambassador to Morocco.

According to Morocco World News their discussions focused on "strengthening coordination and promoting a common understanding of security threats, particularly those associated with terrorism and transnational organized crime."

This diplomatic effort is part of a broader momentum that includes food security agreements and fertilizer supply coordination.

Expressing Japan's commitment to the region, Ayano Kunimitsu, Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, noted Japan's intention to develop a "strategic and mutually beneficial relationship" with Morocco.

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Advanced aerospace and maritime systems bolster Japan's military

Breaking Defense revealed that Japan is investing heavily in cutting-edge aerospace and autonomous maritime hardware.

Its procurement plans include fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, supersonic air-launched anti-ship missiles, and advanced drone technology.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Japan plans to deploy its advanced hypersonic "ship killer" missile system upon its commissioning next year.

This weapon, which is an upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missile detailed in Japan's defense white paper, is designed to strike targets up to 900 kilometers away, with a long-term goal of extending its reach to 1,500 kilometers.

Notably, Japan is acquiring 17 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and deploying OZZ-5 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles equipped with Thales synthetic aperture sonar for mine countermeasures.

According to Naval News, Cyrille Dupont, President and CEO of Thales Japan, stated that the program "materializes the continuation of the ongoing Japan/ France bilateral long-term cooperation".

Bilateral cooperation with Japan expands Morocco's heavily equipped arsenal

This expanding partnership with Tokyo is highly strategic, granting Morocco possible access to a wide range of advanced defense ammunitions and electronics through Japan.

This relationship significantly enhances Morocco's military capabilities, complementing its existing, heavily equipped Western arsenal.

As reported by Business Insider Africa, Morocco's defense infrastructure is backed by billions of dollars in advanced US weaponry, with the US Senate Armed Services Committee directing the development of a 10-year roadmap to establish Morocco as America’s leading military partner in Africa.

Rabat already operates advanced F-16 Block 72 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, Patriot missile systems, and HIMARS rocket systems.

This robust capability is further bolstered by Washington's approved sales of 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters valued at $4.25 billion and up to 600 RTX FIM-92K Stinger Block I anti-aircraft missiles.

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Accessing Japan's world-class maritime, drone, and surveillance technology introduces a powerful secondary pillar to Morocco's defense ecosystem.

Meanwhile, to further diversify its forces amidst shifting global supply chains, Morocco continues to weigh major armored acquisitions, including evaluating South Korea's K2 Black Panther main battle tank.