Spain and Morocco Forge New Military Alliance
In a significant turn of events, Spain and Morocco are set to elevate their diplomatic and military relationship with the impending delivery of a warship manufactured in Spain. This marks the first time in over four decades that Morocco will receive a military vessel from Spain, with the delivery expected to take place in July. The ship, known as the Avante 1800, is being constructed by Navantia, a renowned Spanish public shipbuilding company specializing in both civil and military naval construction. The last military contract between the two nations was in 1983, when Spain delivered the corvette 'Teniente Coronel Errahmani' to the Moroccan fleet.
The Avante 1800, a patrol vessel designed for maritime surveillance and military operations, will arrive in Morocco unarmed, with plans for the Royal Moroccan Navy to equip it before integrating it into its fleet, which prominently features the frigate Mohamed VI. The construction and delivery contract for this advanced vessel is valued at approximately €130 million, underscoring the reliability and prestige of Navantia as one of Europe's leading shipbuilders.
Advanced Capabilities of the Avante 1800
With dimensions of 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, the Avante 1800 is designed to accommodate a crew of 60 members. The vessel boasts a maximum speed of 24 knots, powered by a CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) propulsion system that includes four MAN 175D main engines and five Baudoin generators. In terms of armament, the Avante 1800 can be outfitted with a primary cannon of either 75 or 57 millimeters, two secondary cannons of 25 or 30 millimeters, and missile launchers for point defense, anti-aircraft, and surface-to-surface engagements.
This corvette, compact and stealthily designed, offers exceptional maneuverability for surveillance missions and is particularly suited for armed operations and defense, especially concerning Exclusive Economic Zones. Additionally, it features notable electronic warfare capabilities, highlighting its multifaceted role in modern naval operations.
The delivery of this warship after such a long hiatus illustrates the robust ties that have developed between Spain and Morocco. In recent years, both nations have engaged in extensive cooperation on various fronts, particularly following Spain's recognition in March 2022 of Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara as a credible and realistic solution to the longstanding dispute that has persisted since the end of Spanish colonial rule. This acknowledgment has garnered support from over 100 countries, showcasing the widespread international backing for Morocco's initiative.
Following Spain's endorsement, a series of positive diplomatic gestures have emerged, including two High-Level Meetings held in Rabat in February 2023 and in Madrid in December 2025, where many significant bilateral agreements were signed across multiple sectors. The military and security dimensions of this partnership have also seen strengthened collaboration, epitomized by joint police and military operations aimed at enhancing regional security.
This new military contract for the delivery of a naval vessel by Navantia further solidifies the deepening collaboration between Spain and Morocco, reinforcing their commitment to mutual security and stability in the Mediterranean region.
As reported by atalayar.com.
