Algeria continues to strengthen its military setup along its border with Morocco.

Recently, Algeria has begun to establish temporary landing strips in the border region, between Béchar and Boudnib. These new infrastructures are aimed at facilitating the rapid deployment of troops and ensuring effective logistical support in the event of conflict or emergency, according to data from the Atlantic Observatory of Defense and Armament.
These strips are designed to accommodate military transport aircraft, such as the C-130 Hercules, which are particularly suited for semi-prepared terrains.

Although temporary, these facilities could play a crucial role in times of tension, enabling the rapid transport of troops, equipment, and the evacuation of the wounded. The project is part of a broader strategy to modernize Algeria’s military, already marked by a concentration of barracks along this sensitive border.

Moroccan security sources estimate that these strips are only the beginning of a larger plan, which would eventually involve the creation of a permanent military base. This base could complement the existing setup, notably in Tindouf, where Russian Sukhoi fighter jets have recently been deployed. The expansion of this base began in 2021 and was already part of a strategic anticipation dynamic.

The origin of this military infrastructure race dates back to 2020, when Algeria expressed its intention to respond to the construction of a Moroccan military barracks in Jerada. At that time, the Algerian press mentioned a policy of reciprocity to address what it called a potential threat to its national security. However, Algerian authorities never officially confirmed this intention.

This rivalry between Rabat and Algiers has intensified in recent years, especially since the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces established an eastern military zone in January 2022. The announcement coincided with the first revelations of Algeria’s plan to build a new base in Béchar. This tense atmosphere is also accompanied by the strengthening of military capabilities by both countries, through the purchase of advanced equipment and the regular conduct of military maneuvers.

In this context, observers agree that the military buildup in this border region reflects deep mutual distrust. Each state acts according to a strategy of deterrence and preparation for possible conflicts, in a regional environment marked by instability and historical rivalry. The growing militarization of the Algeria-Morocco border could thus further freeze a bilateral relationship already marked by diplomatic rupture since 2021.