Spain's Government Transfers Military Patrol Boat to Morocco
The government of Pedro Sánchez has recently delivered a state-of-the-art military patrol boat to Morocco, a mere 49 days following the significant incursion into Ceuta. The public shipbuilding company, Navantia, finalized the handover of this high-seas patrol vessel, specifically constructed for the Royal Moroccan Navy at the San Fernando shipyard in Cádiz. This transfer occurs amid ongoing investigations by the National Court regarding the irregular mass entry from Morocco, which has been described as a violation of Spain's "integrity and independence". The delivery of the patrol boat was executed without any public ceremony, as stipulated in the agreement signed between Navantia and the Moroccan military back in 2021.
The patrol vessel measures 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, capable of accommodating up to 60 personnel onboard. This contract has generated over a million working hours and approximately 1,100 jobs—both direct and indirect—over a span of three years for the shipyard and its ancillary industries. Furthermore, the construction of this patrol boat includes a comprehensive technical-logistical support package, providing spare parts, tools, and technical documentation, as well as training services for the personnel of the Royal Moroccan Navy in Spain. Navantia has emphasized that this vessel represents a solution that ensures long operational deployment periods at sea, with significantly reduced operational and lifecycle costs, achieved through a design aimed at maintaining operability, maintainability, and reliability with a minimized crew.
Cutting-Edge Technological Features
Approximately a year and a half ago, in late May 2025, a launching ceremony for the vessel was held in San Fernando, attended by various officials, including Captain Mohammed El Fadili, representing the Royal Moroccan Navy. During his speech, El Fadili underscored the significance of this project as a reflection of the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Spain, particularly between the Moroccan Navy and Navantia. He highlighted the "cutting-edge technological features" of the patrol boat, which align with the Royal Moroccan Navy's ambition to acquire an effective, versatile, and durable fleet as part of the modernization efforts dictated by King Mohammed VI to address ever-evolving maritime security challenges. Ricardo Domínguez, the president of Navantia, reiterated that this program not only marks a construction milestone but also represents the strengthening of a long-term collaboration, symbolizing the shared commitment of Spain and Morocco towards security and technological excellence.
As reported by okdiario.com.
