Morocco Bolsters Military with Advanced US Armored Vehicles for Desert Operations

– bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read
Morocco Bolsters Military with Advanced US Armored Vehicles for Desert Operations

The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have received a first series of M-ATV Standard Base (SXB) armored vehicles, designed by Oshkosh Defense. These vehicles are intended for Brimoto units operating in the Saharan and eastern regions of Morocco, offering mobility, ballistic protection, and adaptability to harsh terrains and asymmetric environments.

This acquisition is part of a logistical modernization plan. In September 2024, Oshkosh Defense had formalized a Moroccan order for HET A1 (Heavy Equipment Transporter) heavy logistics tractors and specialized 635NL trailers. These sets, acquired through Optimum Vehicle Logistics, are scheduled for delivery starting in the summer of 2025.

Pat Williams, Director of Programs at Oshkosh Defense, had expressed the company’s pride in "supporting the Kingdom in structuring its logistical capabilities by providing high-tonnage tractors for transporting the heaviest equipment." He had emphasized that "This order reflects the confidence in our expertise in the field of tactical mobility and advanced ground support."

The HET A1, designed for transporting heavy armored vehicles and oversized equipment, is characterized by its strong towing capacity and robustness. It is equipped with a 700-horsepower Caterpillar C18 engine and advanced suspension systems ensuring good maneuverability on degraded terrains. Two winches of 24,948 kg each facilitate operations.

Its design incorporates modular protection devices, in line with the LTAS (Long-Term Armor Strategy) doctrine, for increased safety of the crew and cargo. The M-ATV SXB version received by the FAR is the base model, with a variant intended for special forces, the M-ATV SXF, not having been contracted for Morocco to date.