Morocco is set to acquire 200 Cobra II armoured vehicles from Turkey, a move that will enhance its defence and security capabilities in the region. The deal, which was announced by Turkish defence company Otokar in December, is valued at $136 million and includes essential spare parts, maintenance support, and training for vehicle operators.
In April 2022, the Royal Moroccan Army (RMA) announced that it is seeking a replacement for its entire armoured vehicle inventory which is deemed too old to effectively operate in a challenging combat environment. Morocco is looking at options to replace its ageing armoured vehicle fleet, including VAB armoured vehicles manufactured by French Arquus. Rabat land forces have over the years relied heavily on the VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles which entered service in the late 1970s.
The Cobra II is a 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicle that can carry up to nine personnel and perform various missions such as reconnaissance, patrol, convoy escort, and urban warfare. It has a modular design that allows for different configurations and weapon systems, such as machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles, and remote-controlled turrets. It also features a high level of protection against ballistic and mine threats, as well as improved mobility and manoeuvrability.
According to Otokar, the delivery of the vehicles will start by the end of 2024 and end in 2025. Some of the vehicles will be deployed as part of Morocco’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, where they will provide enhanced security and mobility for the Moroccan troops.
The deal marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence cooperation between Morocco and Turkey, which have been strengthening their ties in recent years. Morocco is one of Turkey’s major arms customers in Africa, having previously purchased armoured personnel carriers, tactical radios, and drones from Turkish suppliers. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding in 2019 to enhance their military training and education cooperation.
Morocco operates around 400 75 VAB VCI and 320 VAB VTT armoured vehicles, they had been modernised and upgraded locally under the name “ifrane.
The acquisition of the Cobra II vehicles will boost Morocco’s military modernization efforts, which aim to improve its readiness and deterrence against potential threats. Morocco has been investing in upgrading its equipment and capabilities, especially in the areas of air defence, naval forces, and special operations. Morocco is also a key partner of the US and NATO in the region, participating in joint exercises and operations to promote regional stability and security.
In March 2021, the logistical component of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (RMAF) received a boost as French Arquus supplied 300 units of its Véhicule de Liaison de Reconnaissance et d’Appui / Liaison, Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle (VLRA 2) 4×4 light tactical vehicles to Morocco. The 300 VLRA-2 4×4 light tactical military vehicles strengthened the firepower and mobility of Morocco’s special forces units. The acquisition follows an earlier deal which saw Arquus (formerly Renault Trucks Defence) delivering 36 Sherpa light scout armoured vehicles.
Meanwhile, the RMAF received several new trucks, to replace old models and reinforce the logistics units of the Moroccan Army. Royal Moroccan Army has received 92 high-mobility Tata LPTA 2445 6×6 multi-axle trucks, and the lighter LPTA-715 4×4 truck. The TATA trucks were shipped from Gujarat’s Pipavav port in late December last year 2022.