Russia Proposes Sale of Amur-1650 Submarines to Morocco Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Russia aims to sell two unbuilt Amur-1650 submarines to Morocco, which seeks to enhance its naval fleet. Morocco’s shift from a U.S.-focused defense procurement strategy is significant amid changing geopolitical conditions. Five nations are competing for this contract, and details about the order’s value and execution remain unspecified. The Amur-1650 offers advanced features, including vertical missile launch capability, and marks Russia’s continued efforts in arms exports.

Recent geopolitical shifts have created a path for Russia to potentially sell two unbuilt Amur-1650 submarines to Morocco, which is looking to expand its naval capabilities. Traditionally oriented towards U.S. suppliers, Morocco’s interest in Russian submarine offerings marks a notable change. The Amur-class submarines are based on the diesel-electric technology of the 677 Lada project, known for their versatility and advanced capabilities.

Currently, five nations, including Russia, France, Germany, Greece, and Portugal, are competing to supply submarines to Morocco. France’s Naval Group is promoting its Scorpene submarine, while Germany’s TKMS offers the Type 1400 option. Notably, Greece and Portugal are proposing used submarines from their respective fleets. The specific terms and potential value of Morocco’s order have yet to be disclosed.

As reported in The Military Balance 2024, Morocco currently does not operate any submarines, unlike Greece and Portugal, which possess 10 and 2 submarines, respectively, all of which are based on German designs. Russia has been attempting to market the Amur-1650 since the 2000s, yet it has faced setbacks in securing buyers. A single submarine’s construction began in 2005 but reached only 47% before halting, and the hull remains at the JSC Admiralty Shipyards.

The Amur-1650 submarines feature ten vertical launchers for missiles, distinguishing them from their Lada counterparts. Key specifications include:
– Hull length: 58.8 meters
– Hull width: 5.7 meters
– Displacement: 970 tons
– Crew capacity: 18 members
– Cruising speed: Up to 20 knots
– Autonomy: Up to 45 days
– Armament: Four 533-mm torpedo tubes with a capacity for 16 torpedoes and 10 missile launchers.

In summary, Morocco’s potential acquisition of two Russian Amur-1650 submarines reflects a significant shift in its procurement strategy, influenced by changing geopolitical dynamics. The competition among several countries for this contract highlights the strategic importance of submarine capabilities in modern naval operations. As negotiations continue, the Russian effort to establish a foothold in the Moroccan defense market demonstrates both its ongoing ambition in arms exports and the evolving landscape of international partnerships.

Original Source: en.defence-ua.com