Morocco has purchased Dutch-built unmanned surface vessels (USVs) under a 13-million-euro ($14.7 million) deal after the Netherlands approved an export license for the systems.
The agreement covers two drone boats configured to support the Royal Moroccan Navy in anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasure operations.
The package includes sensors, control systems, spare parts, training, and technical services. It also includes a mission control station, operational documentation, and support equipment.
According to Amsterdam, the USVs can conduct multi-day missions with a high degree of autonomy, allowing naval forces to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and specialized maritime operations without putting personnel at risk.
Once operational, the vessels are expected to reinforce Rabat’s ability to monitor and protect littoral zones and key maritime routes against growing underwater threats.
Support for an ‘Unstable Region’
The Dutch House of Representatives approved the foreign military sale after reviewing the application from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation under the EU’s eight arms export criteria.
The assessment considered factors including regional stability, security risks, human rights concerns, and the intended use of the equipment.
In its review, the Netherlands described Morocco as a “stable and strategic partner in an unstable region,” citing the country’s location along the EU’s southern border and its critical role in regional security cooperation.
The assessment also addressed Western Sahara, where Morocco maintains de facto control as the territory’s final status is being reworked under a UN-led initiative.
Amsterdam concluded that the vessels are intended for defensive missions, noting that any auxiliary equipment included in the sale would only support vessel protection rather than offensive operations.
The Netherlands added that the platforms “cannot be deployed for other tasks without extensive modifications.”
