In a significant boost to the kingdom’s maritime capabilities, Morocco will acquire its first submarine from French naval defense company, Naval Group, French media reported.
Naval Group has embarked on an extensive export marketing campaign for its equipment, and Morocco has joined 13 other countries, including the Netherlands, Poland, and Egypt, that are seeking to bolster their submarine fleets.
Amid Naval’s marketing campaign, the French company Naval, which Morocco had previously commissioned to manufacture several naval vessels, is vying against the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
The French newspaper La Tribune reported that Morocco and France are engaged in advanced negotiations to supply the Royal Armed Forces with modern Barracuda-class submarines. This development comes as part of Morocco’s efforts to modernize and enhance its naval capabilities, following Australia’s cancellation of its contract with France for these vessels.
Morocco’s decision to acquire a submarine is a significant step in enhancing its national defense capabilities. The potential acquisition aligns with regional trends as countries seek to assert their sovereignty in contested waters.
The Moroccan Navy aims to secure its interests and protect its coastline, particularly in light of evolving security challenges in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Morocco is currently participating in the annual Chebec maritime military exercises that have been conducted for the last 30 years with France along Morocco’s coast. For the first time, however, the French Navy is deploying a nuclear attack submarine (SNA) alongside the Royal Moroccan Navy.
This year’s exercise, which runs from October 7 to 13, features both surface and submarine units.
During the exercise, the Moroccan Navy will deploy its modern, multifunctional frigate, the Mohammed VI, while French forces will deploy a nuclear attack submarine and their frigate, the Lafayette.
This military collaboration is particularly significant in the current political climate, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Morocco at the end of October.