# Morocco’s tank modernization plans delayed by global conflicts

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/11/moroccos-tank-modernization-plans-delayed-by-global-conflicts/
- Published: 2023-11-25T09:58:14+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

Morocco, a North African country with a long history of military cooperation with
the West, has been facing challenges in modernizing its main battle tank fleet due
to the unintended consequences of conflicts taking place in various parts of the
world. [Morocco’s plans to acquire Merkava MK3 tanks](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/morocco-to-receive-merkava-tanks-from-israel/)
from Israel, M1A1 Abrams tanks from the United States, and T-72M tanks from the 
Czech Republic have all been hindered by the ongoing wars in the Middle East and
Eastern Europe.

Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have been seeking to upgrade their armored capabilities
as part of the strategic vision of King Mohammed VI, who has been investing in new
combat equipment, training, and [simulation devices ](https://www.military.africa/2021/04/morocco-procures-eca-driving-simulators/)
for the Royal Armored Corps.

Morocco’s tank modernization plans have been significantly hindered by the conflicts
taking place in various parts of the world, which have affected its ability to acquire
new tanks or upgrade its existing ones. Morocco has been left with an outdated and
insufficient tank fleet, which could compromise its security and deterrence in the
region. Morocco will have to find alternative sources of tanks, or negotiate with
its partners to resume the delivery of the tanks it had ordered, in order to achieve
its strategic vision of developing a modern and capable Royal Armored Corps.

Morocco’s current tank inventory consists of about 1,000 tanks, mostly of diverse
origin, such as the T-72, VT-1A, M1A1SA and M1A2M, and M60A3/A3TTS Patton. Most 
of these tanks are outdated and require modernization to meet the challenges of 
the 21st century.

One of Morocco’s main objectives was to acquire 200 Merkava MK3 tanks from Israel,
which are considered one of the world’s most advanced and effective armored vehicles.
Morocco is actively seeking a more diversified range of Israeli weapon systems. 
Since the signing of the [Abraham Accords in 2020](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/israel-signs-defence-pact-with-morocco/),
Morocco has emerged as a significant client of Israeli defence industries.

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The Merkava tanks would provide Morocco with superior firepower, advanced armor 
protection, and technological advancements that would greatly enhance its combat
effectiveness and operational readiness. However, the potential deal was jeopardized
by the outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas war in May 2023, which escalated into a regional
conflict involving Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. The war has strained Israel’s military
resources and diplomatic relations, making it unlikely that it would be able to 
deliver the tanks to Morocco in the near future.

The Merkava tank holds a significant place in Israel’s defense industry and is considered
one of the world’s most advanced and effective armored vehicles. Developed and manufactured
by Israel Military Industries, the Merkava has played a pivotal role in Israel’s
defense strategy since its introduction in the late 1970s. Over the years, it has
undergone several upgrades and improvements to maintain its superiority on the battlefield.

The potential acquisition of Merkava tanks would represent a significant boost to
its armored warfare capabilities. The Merkava’s superior firepower, advanced armor
protection, and technological advancements would greatly enhance the Moroccan Armed
Forces’ combat effectiveness and operational readiness.

Moreover, the sale of Merkava tanks to Morocco could also pave the way for [closer defense cooperation between Israel and Morocco](https://www.military.africa/2022/09/morocco-to-participate-in-israeli-military-conference/).
The two countries recently normalized their diplomatic relations, and further collaboration
in the defense sector would strengthen their bilateral ties while contributing to
regional stability. Morocco and Israel have a [long history of military and intelligence cooperation](https://www.military.africa/2023/07/israeli-elbit-systems-to-manufacture-military-hardware-in-morocco/)
but have no official diplomatic ties, but they have since established a close relations
and in 2020, after resuming diplomatic relations since suspension in 2000. Israel
[signed a defense pact](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/israel-signs-defence-pact-with-morocco/)
with Morocco in November two years ago, amid plans to advance national security 
interests with Arab countries that have drawn closer to it. Israeli Foreign Minister
Yair Lapid travelled to Morocco in August 2021 for the first visit by Israel’s top
diplomat to that country since 2003.

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Another option for Morocco was to acquire additional M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 
United States, which are also among the world’s best tanks. Morocco has a strong
military partnership with the United States, and has participated in several joint
exercises and operations, such as the African Lion and the Flintlock.

Morocco was [hoping to receive 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks from the United States](https://www.military.africa/2018/08/royal-moroccan-army-receives-127-m1a1sa-special-armor-abram-tanks/),
which would complement its existing fleet of 222 M60A3 tanks. However, the delivery
of the Abrams tanks was also delayed by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,
which erupted in April 2023, following Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine. The
United States, as a NATO ally, has been providing military assistance to Ukraine,
including the transfer of 45 T-72 tanks that were upgraded by the Czech Republic.
These tanks were originally intended for Morocco, but were diverted to Ukraine without
Rabat’s permission, violating a maintenance contract between Morocco and the Czech
company Excalibur Army.

The [unauthorized transfer of the T-72 tanks to Ukraine](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/moroccos-t-72-tanks-were-sent-to-ukraine-without-permission/)
angered Morocco, which demanded compensation from the Czech Republic and Israel,
which had a stake in the deal. Morocco had purchased 136 T-72B tanks from Belarus
in the early 2000s, and had contracted Excalibur Army to upgrade them to the T-72M
standard, which would improve their mobility, firepower, and protection. Morocco
had received only 14 of the upgraded T-72M tanks for crew training, and was expecting
to receive the rest of the batch by the end of 2023. However, the Czech company 
decided to send the remaining tanks to Ukraine, without informing Morocco, in order
to fulfill the US-NATO request. This left Morocco with a gap in its tank modernization
plans, and a loss of trust in its partners.

According to the plan, in the near future, the backbone of moroccan tank units was
planned to be made up of 250 M1A1 SA, 162 M1A2M, 200 Merkava Mk3, and 136 T-72Bs
upgraded by Excalibur Army.

T-72Bs and Chinese-made VT-1As will be assigned to the Sahara Southern zone, with
a gradual withdrawal of the old M-48s main battle tanks.

M-48 Pattons were retired from active service and stored as reserve in 1991, the
SK-105 Kürassiers had the same fate.

Also, Morocco’s M-60s tanks will support Abrams and Merkava units, AMX10-RC will
continue it’s service as light tanks and tank destroyers.

In addition to the tank modernization plans, Morocco is also looking at options 
to [replace its ageing armoured vehicle fleet,](https://www.military.africa/2022/04/morocco-looks-to-replace-aging-armoured-vehicle-fleet/)
which is deemed too old to effectively operate in a challenging combat environment.
Morocco is looking at options to replace its VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles manufactured
by [French Arquus](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/morocco-orders-300-arquus-vlra-2-tactical-vehicles/).
Rabat land forces have over the years relied heavily on the VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles
which entered service in the late 1970s. 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 VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles are used for troop transport, command and control,
ambulance, and reconnaissance missions. They are equipped with a 12.7 mm machine
gun or a 20 mm cannon, and can carry up to 10 soldiers. The VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles
have a maximum speed of 90 km/h and a range of 1,000 km. They have a steel hull 
that provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, and can be
fitted with additional armour modules for enhanced protection.

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However, the VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles are becoming obsolete and vulnerable to modern
threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades (
RPGs), and anti-tank missiles. Morocco has been looking for a replacement for the
VAB 6×6 armoured vehicles for several years, and has considered various options,
such as the Nexter VBCI, the Patria AMV, the Rheinmetall Boxer, and the Otokar Arma.
However, none of these options have materialized into a concrete deal, and Morocco
is still searching for a suitable and affordable solution.

Morocco’s armoured vehicle replacement plans are also affected by the global conflicts,
which have increased the demand and the prices of armoured vehicles, as well as 
the competition and the political pressure from the suppliers. Morocco will have
to balance its strategic interests and its budget constraints, while ensuring that
it acquires armoured vehicles that meet its operational requirements and its compatibility
with its allies. Morocco will also have to ensure that it receives adequate training
and maintenance support for its new armoured vehicles, as well as the transfer of
technology and the involvement of its local industry. Morocco’s armoured vehicle
replacement plans are crucial for its military modernization and its regional security,
and will require careful planning and negotiation.

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