The Dutch government has officially sanctioned the export of military equipment to Morocco, granting a license valued at **€13 million** on July 13, 2026. This license, awarded to an unspecified Dutch company, covers the delivery of **two uncrewed surface vessels** (maritime drones) equipped with advanced sensors, piloting systems, and spare parts, along with technical training and support. Notably, the contract includes a targeted technology transfer aimed at ensuring local maintenance autonomy for these sophisticated systems.
Designed primarily for **defensive functions**, these autonomous vessels are intended for deployment by the Royal Moroccan Navy. They will play a critical role in missions related to **anti-submarine warfare** and **mine countermeasures**. The export request underwent thorough scrutiny in line with several criteria from the European Union's common position on arms exports, with particular attention given to regional stability. Dutch authorities emphasized Morocco's status as a strategic and stable security partner amid a region characterized by instability.
The official document also touches upon the situation in the Moroccan Sahara, concluding that the acquisition of these vessels does not pose risks of being utilized for aggressive actions or territorial claims by force. In 2024, the Dutch Ministry of Defense initiated the design phase for an anti-submarine surface drone (ASW USV), which is part of a broader strategy to enhance naval capabilities alongside new anti-submarine frigates.
Measuring 11.2 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width, the drone has a displacement of 9.2 tons, which can increase to 10 tons with armament and fuel, allowing for storage in the mission bay of a frigate. It is powered by Volvo Penta D4 engines and features a redundant propulsion system, ensuring it can return to its mothership or base even if one engine fails. To detect submarines, the drone employs a method known as _"sprint and dip,"_ wherein it swiftly reaches an area of interest before deploying an active dipping sonar, either Thales FLASH or L3Harris HELRAS, housed in a central moonpool to minimize motion-induced sonar interference.
The drone is engineered for a minimum operational duration of **96 hours**, allowing for four days of continuous operations split evenly between transit and sonar listening phases. As noted by **Abdelhamid Harifi**, this acquisition aligns with a comprehensive process of **"dronization"** affecting all components of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). Given the limited defense budget, the choice of drones emerges as a cost-effective solution to address existing capability gaps, especially in the context of current operational theaters like Ukraine, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz, where autonomous systems are increasingly vital in naval combat.
Morocco is establishing itself as a regional pioneer, having already conducted advanced military exercises, such as **African Lion 2026**, utilizing American submersible drones, demonstrating its commitment to adopting such technologies. Harifi suggests that this acquisition of Dutch surface drones may be accompanied by additional undisclosed contracts for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
One of the most significant innovations of this contract is its potential to enhance **mine countermeasure (MCM)** capabilities. Historically, the Royal Moroccan Navy lacked dedicated vessels for mine sweeping or hunting, relying predominantly on specialized diving units for securing ports. With ports like **Tanger Med** and the upcoming **Nador West Med** complex facing potential mine threats, this acquisition represents a crucial step in national security. The capacity to detect and neutralize mines without exposing crewed vessels directly addresses the vulnerability of these strategic ports, which could be targeted to disrupt maritime trade in the Strait of Gibraltar, leading to severe economic repercussions.
The two Dutch drones, equipped with active sonars, signify a technological advancement in securing these areas. Furthermore, the Dutch Parliamentary note highlights a commitment to technology transfer that will facilitate local support and maintenance. According to Harifi, this strategic provision lays the groundwork for Morocco's autonomy in the ongoing upkeep of these drones. Over time, the operational experience gained by the Royal Moroccan Navy could further bolster national technical expertise, contributing to the gradual development of the country's naval infrastructure.
Harifi also emphasizes that the introduction of drones does not replace traditional forces, particularly **crewed frigates** or **conventional submarines**. Current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, illustrate the formidable role of aerial and maritime combat drones in asymmetric or medium-intensity conflicts, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara, where they can mitigate human risks and optimize patrol costs. However, they remain inadequate against a state possessing robust electronic warfare capabilities and air defense systems.
In conclusion, Harifi asserts that for decisive outcomes in high-intensity conflicts, manned bombers and large combat vessels remain indispensable.
As reported by medias24.com.
