Morocco will obtain 200 Cobra II armored vehicles from Turkey to bolster its defense and security capabilities in the region, as reported by Military Africa on Wednesday.
Turkish global land systems manufacturer Otokar announced in December that it had secured an export order for its 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles valued at approximately $136 million. The delivery of these vehicles is expected to commence by the end of 2024 and will conclude in 2025.
The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco revealed in April their intention to replace its entire inventory of armored vehicles, including the VAB armored vehicles manufactured by the French firm Arquus. Over the years, FAR has relied heavily on the VAB 6×6 armored vehicles, which entered into service in the late 1970s.
The Cobra II is a 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle capable of carrying up to nine personnel and undertaking various missions such as reconnaissance, patrol, convoy escort, and urban warfare.
Its modular design allows for different configurations and weapon systems, including machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles, and remote-controlled turrets. Additionally, it offers a high level of protection against ballistic and mine threats, as well as improved mobility and maneuverability.
A portion of the acquired vehicles will be utilized as part of Morocco’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, which will no doubt provide enhanced security and mobility for Moroccan troops.
Morocco had previously procured armored personnel carriers, tactical radios, and drones from Turkish suppliers, following a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 to strengthen military training and educational collaboration between the two countries.
The website indicated that Morocco currently operates approximately 400 VAB VCI and 320 VAB VTT armored vehicles, all of which have undergone local modernization and upgrades under the name “Ifrane.” In March 2021, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’ logistical component received a boost as the France-based company Arquus supplied 300 units of its Véhicule de Liaison de Reconnaissance et d’Appui / Liaison, Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle (VLRA 2) 4×4 light tactical vehicles to Morocco.
FAR also acquired 92 high-mobility Tata LPTA 2445 6×6 multi-axle trucks, along with the lighter LPTA-715 4×4 model. These TATA trucks were shipped from Gujarat’s Pipavav port in late December, 2022.