Morocco is studying the possibility of acquiring three military submarines by 2027 as part of a broader strategy aimed at modernizing the Royal Moroccan Navy and strengthening the Kingdom’s maritime defense capabilities, according to specialized defense and naval industry reports.
Spanish military-focused media outlets, citing analyses by international and Asian institutions monitoring global defense markets, reported that Morocco is among the countries interested in acquiring submarines between 2026 and 2030, alongside countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The reports indicate that the Moroccan project remains at the study phase, with no official announcement regarding the signing of contracts or the selection of a manufacturer. Rabat is reportedly evaluating several international offers as part of efforts to expand and modernize its naval capabilities.
Among the options attracting particular attention is South Korea’s KSS-III submarine, considered one of the most advanced conventional submarines available for export. The platform is designed with technologies enabling extended underwater endurance and is equipped with advanced surveillance, intelligence, and maritime strike capabilities.
France’s Scorpène-class submarine has also emerged as one of the leading options under consideration. The submarine is known for its stealth features, maritime surveillance systems, intelligence-gathering functions, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Meanwhile, specialized defense reports have indicated that Russia has proposed its Amur 1650 submarines to Morocco. The submarines are export-oriented versions of Russia’s conventional submarine platforms and are equipped with combat systems and technologies intended to improve stealth and underwater operational endurance.
However, available assessments suggest that Morocco appears more inclined toward European or Asian solutions, particularly due to considerations linked to long-term military cooperation, technology transfer, training, maintenance, and technical constraints associated with the Russian offer.
Defense analysts have also pointed to the participation of Moroccan officers and observers in recent international submarine rescue and maritime intervention exercises organized in Turkey as an indication of growing Moroccan interest in developing expertise in this strategic domain.
Experts note that developing a fully operational submarine capability would require the training of specialized crews, the establishment of advanced maintenance and technical support infrastructure, and the modernization of naval bases capable of hosting such sensitive systems.
The reports further suggest that Morocco’s naval modernization plans extend beyond submarines and include upgrades to shipbuilding facilities and the development of advanced patrol vessels dedicated to coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, combating irregular migration, and protecting maritime economic interests.
Observers believe Morocco’s strategic geographic position, overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and neighboring the Strait of Gibraltar, gives any future enhancement of its naval capabilities both regional and international significance, considering the strait’s status as one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
The acquisition of submarines would significantly strengthen the Royal Moroccan Navy’s capabilities in covert surveillance, maritime deterrence, and the protection of coastal infrastructure and strategic sea lanes, while potentially contributing to a new naval balance with neighboring military powers, particularly Algeria and Spain.
