The maritime ambitions of Morocco reach a new strategic level. The kingdom deliberately chose to complete the equipment of its Royal Navy by planning the acquisition of its first submarines. Between the Russia and the Francetwo cutting-edge technological options are available to the country to strengthen its presence and operational capacity in the Mediterranean.
The objective is clearly established: to have a credible and dissuasive submarine force. THE Morocco plans to order at least three submersibles, guaranteeing a permanent maritime presence, regardless of operational or maintenance constraints. This approach is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to rebalance regional forces, particularly against Algeria which already has submarine capabilities.
Two technologies emerge as potential candidates:Amur 1650 Russian, a multi-purpose submarine with diesel-electric propulsion, and the Scorpene French designed by Naval Group. The latter has particularly attractive characteristics, with high-performance sonars and a remarkably silent propulsion system. Some versions incorporate lithium-ion batteries, providing extended immersion capabilities.
This perspective is part of the continuity of Moroccan naval development. The Royal Navy, ranked 25th in the world, currently has 121 ships, including a multi-mission frigate FREMM called “ Mohammed VI », delivered in 2017 by Naval Group for 470 million euros. Its fleet also includes three Dutch frigates SIGMAtwo frigates Floréala Spanish corvette and around twenty patrol boats.
The planned extension of naval capabilities continues with the expectation of the upcoming delivery of an “Avante 1800” class offshore patrol boat by 2026. The acquisition of submarines would thus represent an additional step in the modernization and projection of maritime power of the Shereefian kingdom.
Defense experts, like Nizar Derdabiunderline the strategic importance of this approach. The objective is not simply to acquire equipment, but to constitute a credible submarine force, capable of intervention and deterrence in a complex and evolving Mediterranean environment.
