Morocco is continuing its efforts to bolster its naval military capabilities by evaluating offers from five countries to acquire two military submarines
According to a report by Military Africa website, Morocco is in negotiations with France, Germany, Russia, Greece, and Portugal, with each country striving to present the most competitive bid for this strategic deal.
The report highlights that the leading contenders are France’s Naval Group and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), both offering advanced models tailored to Morocco’s naval needs.
France has proposed supplying Morocco with Scorpène-class submarines, known for their stealth technology and long underwater endurance, along with advanced combat systems. The report also notes that France is looking to tie this deal to a project for establishing a shipbuilding facility in Casablanca, a move that could give it an additional competitive advantage.
On the other hand, Germany is offering Morocco two different models of its Dolphin-class submarines, which are known for their high efficiency in underwater combat operations.
However, France and Germany are not the only competitors in the race. The report indicates that Russia is also pushing to sell its Amur 1650 submarine, a fourth-generation diesel-electric model that Moscow has been proposing to Morocco since 2013. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no final agreement has been reached so far.
Additionally, Greece and Portugal have presented offers for second-hand submarines. The report suggests that Morocco is considering this option as a cost-effective alternative, despite concerns over the operational lifespan and maintenance costs of used military equipment.
