Morocco Seeks Acquisition of Russia’s S-400 Air Defense System

Security and defense cooperation featured prominently in the 11 cooperation agreements that were signed on the occasion of the visit of Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev to Morocco.

A well-informed source told Moroccan media that the country is interested in acquiring the mighty S-400 air defense systems from Russia.

After months of media speculation about the possibility of the acquisition by Morocco of the SU-34 tactical bombers and the Amur-class 1650 diesel electric submarines, a military source told le360.com news portal that the eyes of the Moroccan army are set on the S-400 air defense system.

Indeed, Medvedev announced that his country will deliver military equipment to Morocco without any further details. Head of the Moroccan Government for his part stressed that Morocco, upon high Royal instructions, is ready to deepen military and security cooperation with Russia.

The acquisition of the S-400 will add an edge to the defense capabilities of the Moroccan army. This Russian air defense system is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers, twice the range of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot, and 2 1/2 times that of Russia’s S-300PMU-2.

The system is also believed to be able to destroy stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, and is effective at ranges up to 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) and speeds up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) per second.

Morocco’s quest to acquire advanced Russian weapons falls within an endeavor to diversify its international partners.