The Dutch government has approved Morocco’s purchase of two uncrewed surface vessels, or drone ships, in a deal valued at 13 million euros ($15.2 million), media outlet, The Defense Post, reported.
The vessels, known as USVs (uncrewed surface vessels), would strengthen the Royal Moroccan Navy’s capabilities in mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare, the media said.
According to the report, the vessels can operate without crews on board and are equipped with advanced sensors and autonomous systems designed for modern naval operations.
The ships are expected primarily to be used for detecting, neutralizing and destroying naval mines in Moroccan territorial waters, the newspaper said.
It added that they would also be equipped with sonar and other detection systems capable of identifying submarine activity near the country’s coastlines and ports.
The package includes a command centre, technical documentation, training programs for Moroccan personnel, ongoing technical support and spare parts, according to the report.
The newspaper said the addition of the two autonomous vessels would help address a gap in Morocco’s ability to detect underwater threats and maritime mines across its Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
