Russia plans to supply Morocco with two unbuilt Amur-1650 submarines, a deal made possible by recent geopolitical shifts. Morocco previously favored US suppliers but is now considering a variety of options, including French, German, Greek, and Portuguese submarines. The Amur-1650, capable of supporting advanced missile technology, has unique specifications that separate it from similar models.
Russia intends to sell Morocco two Amur-1650 submarines, which are still under development and can carry up to ten missiles. Initially, it seemed improbable that Morocco would procure Russian submarines due to its historical preferences for US arms. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics may now favor Russian exports, according to reports from Infodefensa.
Morocco seeks to enhance its naval capabilities with two additional submarines. Alongside Russia, France’s Naval Group, Germany’s TKMS, Greece, and Portugal are also competing for the contract. Notably, Greece and Portugal propose used submarines, while the French are striving to secure a new shipyard base in Casablanca.
Currently, Morocco lacks any submarines, contrasting with Greece’s ten Type 209/214 submarines and Portugal’s two Type 214 vessels. Russia has been marketing the Amur-1650 submarines since the early 2000s without success, and construction on its sole prototype was halted in 2005, leaving it incomplete at JSC Admiralty Shipyards.
The Amur-1650 project distinguishes itself from the Lada 677 design primarily through its capacity for ten vertical missile launchers. Key specifications of the Amur-1650 include:
– Length: 58.8 meters
– Width: 5.7 meters
– Displacement: 970 tons
– Crew: 18 members
– Cruising speed: up to 20 knots
– Autonomy: up to 45 days
– Armament: four 533-mm torpedo tubes and 10 missile launchers.
Previously, Defense Express indicated that Russia might have retired one of its last two destroyers from the Baltic Sea. The ongoing discussions regarding the Amur-1650 submarines could signify a noteworthy shift in maritime defense alliances and procurement strategies.
In summary, Russia’s potential sale of Amur-1650 submarines to Morocco indicates a significant shift in the nation’s arms acquisition strategy amidst changing geopolitical contexts. While competition for this contract is robust, the evolving landscape may provide Russia with an advantageous opportunity. Furthermore, Morocco’s quest for submarines highlights the growing emphasis on enhancing naval capabilities in the region.
Original Source: en.defence-ua.com
