The Royal Moroccan Navy (RMN) is looking forward to taking delivery of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) constructed by Navantia at its San Fernando shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.
The yet-to-be-named 87-metre lean-manned vessel will have a crew of about 60 and will be armed with a 76mm naval gun and air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. She is capable of a top speed of about 25 knots and can accommodate a medium-sized helicopter.
One of two such OPVs set to be built for the RMN, she shares a similar design to the one used by the firm for the Avante-class ships that have been built for the navies of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
The deal to build the OPVs also includes a logistical support package including provision of training for RMN personnel in Spain.
The vessel was launched at the end of last month in a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Royal Moroccan Navy Captain Mohammed El Fadili.
He highlighted the new OPVs cutting-edge technological features “which fully embody the ambition of the Royal Moroccan Navy to acquire an efficient, versatile, and durable fleet.”
President of Navantia Ricardo Domínguez Garcia-Baquero added that the programme was “testimony of the shared commitment between Spain and Morocco for security and technological excellence.”
- You can read more details about the launch on the Navantia website
