Morocco's Maritime Advancement with the Avante 1800
Morocco is on the brink of a significant maritime upgrade as it prepares to receive its first warship in over 40 years, the 'Avante 1800', from the Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia. Scheduled for delivery most likely in July, this naval asset is valued at approximately €130 million, according to specialized Spanish media reports. The acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Moroccan military history, as it aims to bolster the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Navy, which has not received new warships since the early 1980s.
The Spanish newspaper 'Atalayar', which focuses on Mediterranean and North African affairs, highlighted the historical significance of this event, emphasizing that it coincides with a renewed phase in Spanish-Moroccan relations. The 'Avante 1800' will arrive in Morocco unarmed, with the Moroccan Navy tasked with outfitting it with its own combat systems before integrating it into its fleet. The lead ship of the fleet, the frigate 'Mohammed VI', will be complemented by this new addition, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Moroccan naval forces.
Technical Specifications and Strategic Importance
The 'Avante 1800' measures approximately 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, accommodating a crew of 60 personnel. Designed specifically for maritime surveillance and military operations, it boasts a maximum speed of 24 knots, powered by a CODAD propulsion system consisting of four MAN 175D engines and five Baudoin generators. In terms of armament, the ship can be equipped with a primary cannon of either 75 or 57 mm caliber, secondary guns ranging from 25 to 30 mm, and missile launchers for point defense and anti-aircraft operations, as well as surface-to-surface missiles.
This class of corvettes features a stealthy design, which enhances its maneuverability during surveillance missions. It is particularly suited for military and defense operations, especially in safeguarding Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and comes equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The return of a warship manufactured in Spain to Morocco after such a lengthy hiatus symbolizes the strengthening of bilateral ties, particularly following Spain's recognition of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in March 2022. This decision has paved the way for increased cooperation on multiple fronts, including military and security aspects, which have been fortified by joint operations and exercises in recent years.
As reported by hespress.com.
