As Morocco and South Korea move toward formalizing a defense partnership, Rabat has expressed strong interest in acquiring advanced South Korean weapon systems, including the K2 Black Panther main battle tank, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class KSS-III submarine, and the Cheongung medium-range air defense system.
According to Defense Arab, Morocco’s enthusiasm for South Korea’s defense industry has grown significantly following the recent signing of a major railway contract with Hyundai Rotem. This industrial collaboration appears to have paved the way for broader bilateral cooperation, especially in the military sector.
During a recent visit to Seoul, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, held high-level meetings with key South Korean officials, including Kim Hee-sang, economic diplomacy coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. Discussions focused on launching negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (EPA) and a non-binding Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) aimed at encouraging investment and technology transfers.
Among the systems under consideration, the K2 Black Panther stands out as a flagship South Korean battle tank developed by Hyundai Rotem. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, it combines advanced mobility, state-of-the-art protection, and formidable firepower. The tank is already in service with several militaries and is attracting global interest.
Morocco is also closely examining the Cheongung medium-range air defense system, designed to intercept fighter aircraft and ballistic missiles. Its upgraded version, Cheongung-II, has already been exported to several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
In the naval domain, while Morocco has yet to officially confirm its interest, several South Korean media outlets report that Rabat has requested technical information on the KSS-III submarine. This 3,000-ton, ocean-going vessel is the first of its kind to be entirely designed and built in South Korea. It features air-independent propulsion (AIP) and cruise missile launch capabilities, significantly enhancing strategic deterrence.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.