While this data exchange could be seen as an indication of a potential acquisition of the Hermes 900 system by Morocco, no official confirmation has been given so far. However, this event occurs in a context where diplomatic and military relations between France and its Mediterranean partners, notably Morocco and Egypt, are at the center of strategic discussions around the surveillance of sensitive maritime areas.
Recently leaked images captured a sophisticated data exchange between a Hermes 900 drone (naval version) and a FREMM warship (possibly the Mohammed VI frigate, in service with the Royal Moroccan Navy). This operation, which occurred during an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission, fuels growing speculation about a possible acquisition by Morocco of this cutting-edge technology, which is currently in service with other forces, notably Egypt.
The Hermes 900, manufactured by Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems, is a high-performance surveillance drone, recognized for its exceptional capabilities in intelligence collection, real-time reconnaissance and long-range target tracking using advanced sensors. It is used by several nations to strengthen their strategic and defense posture, particularly in terms of maritime surveillance and detection of underwater threats.
During this joint mission, the Hermes 900 drone and the Mohammed VI frigate, a versatile and high-performance ship designed to carry out maritime defense missions, carried out real-time information transmissions. These exchanges, although not detailed, suggest high-level technological cooperation between the drone and the ship, highlighting the capacity of the Royal Moroccan Navy to deploy high-caliber detection and communication systems.
Morocco, which benefits from close collaboration with several military powers, could thus consider the acquisition of the Hermes 900, a system which would complement its efforts to enrich its maritime defense and surveillance capabilities. This technical cooperation with international players like Tel Aviv also demonstrates a continued modernization of its armed forces, in a geopolitical context where maritime security in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic is an increasingly crucial strategic issue.
-Military experts believe that this new acquisition could mark a turning point for the Royal Moroccan Navy, particularly for its ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats. Although Moroccan authorities have not confirmed this acquisition, this joint mission suggests that discussions on the purchase of cutting-edge technologies such as the Hermes 900 are well underway, which would underline Rabat’s desire to assert its strategic autonomy and its military capabilities in this period of growing tensions in the region.
Interest since 2022
Vice Admiral, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy Mostafa El Alami, expressed great interest in the advanced maritime configuration of the Hermes 900 during the Euronaval 2022 international exhibition, held in October 2022. Euronaval is one of largest global exhibitions dedicated to naval and maritime defense where the latest technological innovations in this sector are presented. This event brought together major players in the naval and defense industry.
There were also signs that the Royal Moroccan Navy was considering the acquisition of naval drones for maritime patrol (MPA), intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, information awaiting official confirmation .
