Morocco Set to Acquire the Avante 1800 Warship in July
In a significant development for its naval capabilities, Morocco is on the verge of receiving the Avante 1800 warship from the Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia, marking the first acquisition of a military vessel by the Moroccan Royal Navy in over four decades. This transaction, valued at approximately €130 million, is expected to culminate in July 2026, as reported by various specialized Spanish media outlets.
The Spanish publication, Atalayar, emphasized that this delivery comes at a pivotal moment in the historically evolving relationship between Spain and Morocco. After more than 40 years since the last military vessel, the Teniente Coronel Errahmani, was handed over in 1983, the Moroccan capital is preparing to welcome this new maritime asset, which is designed to enhance its surveillance and operational capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities of the Avante 1800
The Avante 1800 boasts a length of approximately 87 meters and a width of 13 meters, accommodating a crew of about 60 personnel. It is specifically engineered for maritime surveillance and military operations, with a maximum speed of 24 knots, powered by a CODAD propulsion system featuring four MAN 175D main engines and five Baudoin generators. While the ship will be delivered unarmed, the Moroccan Royal Navy plans to equip it with advanced combat systems post-delivery.
In terms of armament potential, the Avante 1800 can be fitted with a primary gun of either 75 or 57 mm, along with secondary guns of 25 or 30 mm caliber. Additionally, it can accommodate missile launchers for point defense, air defense, and surface-to-surface engagements. Its stealthy design enhances its maneuverability during surveillance missions and military operations, making it a formidable asset for protecting Morocco’s exclusive economic zones and enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities.
This acquisition not only symbolizes a milestone in military cooperation but also reflects the strengthening ties between Morocco and Spain. In recent years, both nations have engaged in reciprocal collaborations across various domains, particularly following Spain's recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in March 2022, which has laid the groundwork for improved bilateral relations.
As reported by hespress.com.
