Morocco Considers Acquiring First Submarines to Bolster Naval Capabilities

According to the magazine Jeune Afrique, this strategic acquisition aims to rebalance the power relationship in the Mediterranean vis-à-vis Algeria, already equipped with submarines. Nizar Derdabi, an expert in defense and security, estimates that Morocco should acquire at least three submersibles to ensure a permanent presence at sea, regardless of maintenance or transit operations.

Two models are currently being studied: the Russian Amur 1650, a versatile diesel-electric propulsion submarine, and the French Scorpène, designed by Naval Group. The latter, renowned for its stealth and cutting-edge technologies, stands out for its powerful sonars and silent propulsion system. Some versions of the Scorpène are even equipped with lithium-ion batteries, offering increased autonomy when submerged.

The Royal Moroccan Navy, 25th in the world ranking, already has the Mohammed VI multimission frigate, acquired in 2017 from Naval Group for an amount of 470 million euros. This warship is capable of providing air defense, anti-submarine warfare and surface combat. The Moroccan fleet also includes three Dutch SIGMA-class multimission frigates, two Floréal-class surveillance frigates, a Spanish Descubierta-class corvette and about twenty patrol boats.

In addition to these acquisitions, Morocco is massively investing in its naval infrastructure. The Ksar Sghir base, operational since 2017, complements the existing bases in Casablanca, Nador, Dakhla and Agadir. The budget allocated to the Ministry of Defense for the year 2025 amounts to 133 billion dirhams, an increase of 6% compared to 2024.