Rabat – Morocco’s Royal Moroccan Navy received four “52 Fearless Super Interceptor” speedboats from American manufacturer Metal Shark.
The boats are used to carry out patrols and intercept criminal activities and are part of larger military cooperation between the US and Morocco, defense-focused website Military Africa reports.
Supplied by Metal Shark, a company specializing in custom vessels for commercial, defense, and law enforcement purposes, the powerful multi-purpose crafts are expected to boost Morocco’s naval capabilities in combating maritime crime.
Morocco has expanded its sources for modernizing its arsenal by collaborating with countries like the United States. In March 2022, Morocco received the initial set of ten Metal Shark boats from the United States.
The vessel transfer is part of a ten-year agreement to strengthen security and military cooperation.
The boats are equipped with twin 1,650-horsepower MAN 12-cylinder diesel inboard engines connected to Arneson ASD14 surface drives via ZF transmissions and can reach speeds in the range of 70 knots.
The vessel’s adaptable design allows for a maximum fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons, resulting in an impressive endurance of 12.5 hours at 50 knots.
Metal Shark developed the 52 Fearless Super Interceptor in response to the escalating demand from military entities for larger, swifter interdiction vessels with extended range and enhanced stability in rough waters, the report explains.
In recent years, Morocco has made significant strides in modernizing its defense capabilities. In a report issued in September, American magazine Forbes shed light on Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities through targeted acquisitions of advanced weapon systems.
Forbes highlighted Morocco’s recent acquisitions, including the Israeli Barak MX systems obtained through a significant $500 million deal in 2022.
Morocco also acquired at least 19 of Turkey’s highly versatile TB2 drones in two procurement phases, added the American magazine.
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