Russia aims to sell two Amur-1650 submarines to Morocco, amid changing geopolitical landscapes. Morocco, which currently lacks submarines, is exploring options for enhancing its naval fleet, with Russia competing against established suppliers like France and Germany. The potential sale underscores shifting alliances and the evolving arms market.
Recent geopolitical shifts have enhanced the feasibility of Russia’s sale of two unbuilt Amur-1650 submarines to Morocco. This class of diesel-electric submarine is based on the Lada project and is designed to carry up to 10 missiles. Historically, Morocco has relied primarily on the United States for arms, making the consideration of Russian submarines seem improbable before. However, current international dynamics appear to favor this transaction, as reported by Infodefensa.
Morocco seeks to expand its naval capabilities by acquiring two additional submarines. The competition to supply these vessels includes leading contenders like France’s Naval Group, Germany’s TKMS, and suppliers from Greece and Portugal, who are offering older submarines. France’s Naval Group, in connection with their submarine contract, hopes to secure a new shipyard in Casablanca. Details regarding the transaction’s value and specific terms remain undisclosed.
As stated in The Military Balance 2024, Morocco lacks any operational submarines, in contrast to Greece, which possesses ten submarines of the German Type 209/214 class, and Portugal with its two Type 214 submarines. Although Russia has endeavored to find buyers for the Amur-1650 since the 2000s, they have faced challenges in securing deals. Notably, construction on one submarine design began in 2005 but was halted at nearly halfway completed, with the hull currently stored in St. Petersburg.
The Amur-1650 distinguishes itself from the Lada 677 project by featuring ten vertical missile launchers. Additionally, the submarines have the following characteristics:
– Length: 58.8 meters
– Width: 5.7 meters
– Displacement: 970 tons
– Crew: 18 personnel
– Speed: Up to 20 knots
– Endurance: 45 days
– Armament includes four 533-mm torpedo tubes and a reserve of 16 torpedoes alongside the ten missile launchers.
Earlier discussions indicated that Russia had potentially decommissioned one of its last destroyers stationed in the Baltic Sea, indicating a possible shift in their naval strategy.
Such a sale could represent a significant shift in Morocco’s defense procurement strategy, reflecting broader geopolitical trends and the growing activity of Russian arms exports on the global stage.
In summary, the potential sale of two Amur-1650 submarines from Russia to Morocco signifies shifting geopolitical alliances. As Morocco seeks to enhance its naval capabilities, the competition among various suppliers, including the interest from Russia, reveals the complexities involved in modern defense acquisitions. The situation warrants close monitoring as it may influence future military procurement and international relationships in the region.
Original Source: en.defence-ua.com
