Morocco reportedly in quest to strengthen naval capabilities with submarines

Morocco is reportedly in talks to acquire its first submarines,a move that would mark a historic shift in its naval doctrine and significantly enhance its maritime defense capabilities,Global Defense News said.

The initiative comes amid rising regional competition and reflects Rabat’s ambition to modernize its military and assert greater control over its strategic waters.

The Royal Moroccan Navy currently lacks underwater assets,relying solely on surface vessels to patrol and secure its vast maritime domain. This absence of submarine capability has long been viewed as a critical vulnerability,especially in light of Algeria’s growing fleet of Russian-made submarines and the increasing complexity of maritime threats in the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Submarines offer unique advantages: stealth,endurance,and the ability to conduct surveillance,deterrence,and rapid-response missions without detection. For Morocco,acquiring such platforms would fill a longstanding gap in its defense architecture and provide strategic depth in both peacetime and crisis scenarios.

Morocco’s interest in submarines aligns with its broader military modernization strategy,which includes upgrading its air force,enhancing cyber capabilities,and investing in advanced surveillance systems.

The move also reflects a desire to maintain regional balance,particularly with Algeria,whose submarine fleet gives it a significant edge in underwater warfare.

Beyond regional rivalry,Morocco faces growing maritime challenges,including illegal trafficking,terrorism,and the need to secure critical infrastructure linked to energy and trade. Submarines would allow the kingdom to monitor these threats more effectively and project power across key maritime chokepoints,including the Strait of Gibraltar.

While submarines are expensive and technically demanding,defense analysts argue that the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Morocco is reportedly exploring options from European and Asian manufacturers,with an emphasis on platforms that offer interoperability with NATO systems and adaptability to regional conditions.