Spain Delivers Advanced Military Ship Morocco Royal Navy 2024
Morocco is accelerating the modernization of its military arsenal. The Royal Navy will receive by August the "Moulay Hassan," a state-of-the-art vessel manufactured in Spain, significantly strengthening the Kingdom’s maritime power.
Named in honor of King Mohammed VI’s son, this patrol ship is currently undergoing final trials in the Bay of Cádiz. Designed by industrial manufacturer Navantia based on the Avante 1800 model, the vessel is set to permanently join the Moroccan fleet by the end of summer. This represents a major milestone in cooperation between Rabat and Madrid, as Spain has not built a military vessel of this scale for the Kingdom in forty years.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Boosts Naval Capabilities with Launch of Advanced Patrol Vessel
With its 87 meters in length, 13 meters in width, four meters of draft and a displacement of approximately 2,100 tons, the vessel is built for the open sea. Boasting a maximum speed of 24 knots and an autonomy approaching 4,000 nautical miles, it can accommodate a crew of 60 sailors for extended operations. Morocco plans to leverage these capabilities for surveillance of its strategic zones, protection of vital infrastructure, fisheries management and maritime rescue operations.
The firepower and technological equipment of the vessel demonstrate this upgrade in capabilities. Manufacturing began in July 2023, followed by the launch on May 27 of last year. The bow houses a main 76 mm cannon, complemented by two secondary artillery systems of 20 to 30 mm. The entire system relies on state-of-the-art radars, a platform equipped for helicopters and two rapid RHIB-type boats for emergency interventions.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Expands Naval Capabilities with New Patrol Vessel from Spain’s Navantia
This naval acquisition illustrates the country’s ambitious policy, which today allocates nearly 3.4% of its gross domestic product to defense. The Kingdom is deploying this strategy beyond the seas, with the order of an Airbus C295W tactical aircraft assembled in Seville. This aircraft, designed for military transport, evacuations and rapid troop deployment, will provide a logical evolution to the older CN235 aircraft already operated by the Moroccan air force.
