Morocco Bolsters Military with 200 Turkish-Made Cobra 2 Armored Vehicles

The Royal Armed Forces have received new individual equipment as part of the "continuous development of the individual fighter’s capabilities, in execution of the instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces," says the Moroccan military forum "Far Maroc," adding that Morocco has signed an agreement with the Turkish defense company Otokar for the purchase of 200 "Cobra2" armored vehicles, as well as 20 other vehicles that will be assigned to Moroccan peacekeepers participating in UN peacekeeping missions. The amount of this major order is around $136 million. The first deliveries are expected by the end of 2024. The final deliveries should take place throughout the following year.

The COBRA II 4x4 tactical wheeled armored vehicle offers superior technical and tactical characteristics, providing better ballistic protection, as well as increased payload capacity and internal volume. It also offers a wide range of capabilities, including as an armored personnel carrier, anti-tank vehicle, reconnaissance platform, ground surveillance unit, forward observation post and even an armored ambulance. With its V-shaped steel hull, the Cobra 2 is protected against mines (anti-personnel and anti-tank), improvised explosive devices, artillery fragments and long-range weapons. It can be equipped with various weapons and turret options, including 12.7 mm machine guns, 20 mm cannons and anti-tank missiles. This vehicle was originally designed for the Turkish army. The first model came off the production line in 1997.