Morocco Eyes South Korean Military Tech in Deepening Defense Ties

Towards military cooperation between Morocco and South Korea? In recent months, the two countries have strengthened their ties. After awarding a contract worth 2,200 billion won (about 1.5 billion euros) to Hyundai Rotem for the supply of double-decker trains, Morocco plans to acquire advanced South Korean weapon systems, reports a Korean media outlet, highlighting that the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, during his recent visit to Seoul, showed interest in the K2 Black Panther tank, the KSS-III submarine (Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class) as well as the Cheongung (KM-SAM) medium-range air defense system.

Ryad Mezzour met with Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem (manufacturer of the K2 tank), and other private sector players, with the prospect of forming partnerships in the railway, automotive, energy, and defense sectors. The K2 tank, equipped with a 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, offers great mobility and impressive firepower. Poland has already ordered 180 units of this tank, which is also attracting interest from other countries such as Romania, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

As for the Cheongung defense system, it is designed to intercept fighter jets as well as ballistic missiles. Several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, have already purchased the improved version of this model, the Cheongung-II. Morocco is also reportedly interested in the KSS-III submarine, according to Korean sources. Weighing 3,000 tons and designed by South Koreans Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai, it is the first submarine entirely built by South Korea. Countries like Canada and Poland may soon acquire this model.