Morocco is set to receive its first Spanish-built warship in four decades as Madrid-based shipbuilder Navantia prepares to hand over a new offshore patrol vessel to Rabat before August, signalling a major step in the North African kingdom’s accelerating military expansion.
The vessel, currently undergoing final sea trials off Cádiz, is expected to be delivered in July, according to Spanish outlet elEconomista. Its arrival comes as Morocco rapidly increases defence spending and pushes to modernise what has long been viewed as the weakest branch of its military — the navy.
The 87-metre patrol ship is being built at Navantia’s San Fernando shipyard and represents the first warship Spain has constructed for Morocco in 40 years. It is also the first naval platform supplied to Rabat by Navantia since the company was established in 2005.
But beyond the delivery timeline, the project reflects something bigger: Morocco’s growing ambition to reshape the military balance in North Africa.
The vessel is based on Navantia’s Avante 1800 design and can accommodate a crew of 60. Although the ship will be delivered without onboard weapons systems, Morocco is expected to arm it after delivery, depending on operational needs.
