Morocco Explores Defense Cooperation with South Korea Amid Growing Economic Ties
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco is seeking to deepen its defense partnership with South Korea, building on growing economic relations between the two countries, News Hub Consultants has reported.
During an official visit to Seoul, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, expressed strong interest in acquiring advanced South Korean military systems. Among the systems under consideration are the K2 Black Panther tank, the KSS-III submarine, and the Cheongung air defense system, according to Korean media sources.
Mezzour’s visit follows the recent signing of a significant €1.5 billion railway agreement between Morocco and South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem. The deal includes the purchase of double-decker train units and has laid the foundation for expanded cooperation in sectors beyond transportation.
While in Seoul, the Moroccan minister toured facilities and assessed the capabilities of several military technologies produced by South Korea’s defense industry. Particular attention was given to the K2 Black Panther, a state-of-the-art battle tank featuring a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine and cutting-edge mobility and firepower.
The KSS-III submarine, a 3,000-ton vessel entirely developed in South Korea and already in service since 2018, also drew significant interest. The submarine is currently under evaluation by several countries, including Canada and Poland, for potential procurement to modernize their naval capabilities.
The talks highlight Morocco’s ambition to strengthen its defense industry through international partnerships and to position itself as a strategic defense hub in North Africa.
