Morocco Picks Israeli Turret Spain Rejected for Its Armored Vehicles
Morocco is preparing to equip its armored vehicles with an Israeli 30mm turret that the Spanish army tested before choosing a domestic competitor in 2021. The same technology, two different military decisions, five years apart.
Morocco and Spain have chosen different solutions for arming their eight-wheeled armored vehicles. According to a report published Monday by El Español, the WhAP vehicles assembled in Berrechid will receive the UT30 MK2 turret from Israeli company Elbit Systems. Madrid has known the technology for several years.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Orders $277 Million Israeli Combat Turrets for WhAP 8x8 Vehicles
In May 2019, Navantia, Expal and Elbit unveiled a turret called Tizona at the FEINDEF defense exhibition. Their project, based on Israeli technology, was aimed at the Spanish army’s future Dragon armored vehicle. In its official statement, Navantia promised local manufacturing, maintenance in Spain and industrial jobs in Cadiz.
The offer then moved on to trials. In July 2020, the Spanish army tested a demonstrator equipped with the UT30 MK2 in Viator, in Almería province. The military report confirmed firing tests with a 30mm cannon and Spike anti-tank missiles.
Madrid chooses another turret as Rabat opts for Elbit technology
On June 21, 2021, the Spanish Ministry of Defence announced its choice: the Dragon would be equipped with the Guardian 30, designed by Spanish company Escribano. The official decision ended Tizona’s hopes for the program.
Five years later, this family of turrets is appearing on Moroccan WhAP vehicles. The UT30 MK2 carries a 30mm automatic cannon and can be fitted with a coaxial machine gun as well as anti-tank missiles, depending on the configuration selected.
On Bladi.net : Morocco to Make Weapons for Its Armored Vehicles, Not Just Assemble Them
In Morocco, Moroccan Military Industry is preparing to manufacture the turrets and associated ammunition. Its general manager, Kaduri Naor, confirmed to Reuters that a facility near Casablanca exists and that a second ammunition factory is being prepared in Sidi Yahya.
A WhAP fitted with the UT30 MK2 was presented in early October at the Marrakech exhibition. Kaduri Naor expects the first turret deliveries to the Royal Armed Forces in March 2027.
