Morocco is poised to mark a significant milestone in its military history as it prepares to receive its first Spanish-built warship in four decades. The Madrid-based shipbuilder, Navantia, is set to transfer a new offshore patrol vessel to Rabat before August, signaling a notable advance in the North African nation's ongoing military expansion. This vessel, which is currently undergoing final sea trials off the coast of Cádiz, is anticipated to be delivered in July, as reported by the Spanish news outlet elEconomista. The arrival of this modern patrol ship comes at a time when Morocco is dramatically increasing its defense spending and striving to modernize its naval capabilities, which have long been considered the weakest segment of its military apparatus.
The 87-meter patrol vessel is being constructed at Navantia's San Fernando shipyard and represents the first warship that Spain has built for Morocco in forty years. Notably, it is also the first naval asset supplied to Rabat by Navantia since the company's inception in 2005. The significance of this delivery extends beyond mere timelines; it reflects Morocco's heightened ambitions to redefine the military equilibrium in North Africa. Designed based on Navantia's Avante 1800 architecture, the vessel is capable of accommodating a crew of up to 60 personnel. Although it will be delivered without onboard weapon systems, Morocco is expected to equip the ship post-delivery based on its operational requirements.
This naval platform is engineered to support a variety of heavy military configurations, including the potential installation of a 75mm or 57mm main gun, secondary artillery systems, and missile launchers designed for air defense, point defense, and surface warfare operations. While the exact value of the contract remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it hovers around €130 million. Additionally, in 2022, Banco Santander reportedly sanctioned a €95 million loan to facilitate this acquisition, showcasing financial backing for Morocco's military enhancements.
The agreement also encompasses technical assistance, logistics support, spare parts, operational tools, technical documentation, and training programs for personnel from the Royal Moroccan Navy in Spain. This delivery coincides with a notable surge in Moroccan military expenditure, amid escalating competition with neighboring Algeria. According to recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Morocco emerged as Africa's second-largest military spender in 2025, allocating $6.3 billion towards defense—a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. This expenditure translates to 3.54% of Morocco's GDP, positioning the country among the globe's top military spenders relative to its economic size.
However, it is noteworthy that Algeria continues to surpass Rabat in military capabilities. Algiers reportedly allocated an estimated $25.4 billion for defense in 2025, amounting to 8.8% of its GDP, further intensifying one of Africa's most scrutinized arms rivalries. Morocco's naval aspirations seem poised for further expansion, with reports suggesting that Rabat is exploring the acquisition of three submarines by 2027 to bolster its maritime deterrence in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. Among the leading contenders for this procurement are South Korea's KSS-III submarine, manufactured by Hanwha, and France's Scorpène-class submarine, developed by Naval Group.
For Spain, the delivery of these patrol vessels carries strategic implications as well. This deal revives a long-quiet military export relationship with Morocco during a period marked by shifting geopolitical alliances and increasing security competition across North Africa and the Mediterranean. Although further contracts between Navantia and Morocco are not anticipated in the immediate future, this delivery could pave the way for deeper defense collaboration if Rabat continues to pursue its naval modernization agenda.
As reported by africa.businessinsider.com.
