Morocco has signed a major defense deal with Israel-based international defense contractor, Elbit Systems, to buy 36 ATMOS 2000, 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled, howitzer artillery defense systems, according to Israeli media. The deal is valued at USD 200 million.
The advanced artillery systems will be mounted on Czech Tatra trucks, reinforcing Morocco’s artillery capabilities.
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) opted for the ATMOS howitzers after repeatedly experiencing technical issues with the French-made CAESAR systems delivered in 2022 by KNDS France. Reports from French media suggest that operational challenges with the CAESARs pushed Morocco to seek a more reliable alternative, leading to the deal with Elbit.
Morocco’s shift toward Israeli defense technology has accelerated since the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding in 2021. The agreement paved the way for arms deals, intelligence cooperation, and joint military projects.
In 2023, Morocco purchased USD 1 billion worth of Barak MX air defense missiles from Israel Aerospace Industries and integrated 20 Israeli-made Elta radars into its F-5E fighter jets.
Elbit’s ATMOS howitzer has gained global recognition, securing deals in multiple countries. The Philippine Army operates 12 ATMOS systems and is considering additional acquisitions. The system is also a contender in the US Army’s Future Self-Propelled Howitzer program.
Denmark received its first shipment of 19 ATMOS howitzers in 2024, while Colombia finalized a USD 102 million purchase in 2023. Other buyers include Azerbaijan, Botswana, Cameroon, Thailand, Romania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.