The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have contracted Elbit Systems for the delivery of 36 ATMOS 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, and mounted on Czech Tatra truck. This move follows increasing tensions between Morocco and the French company KNDS, which was previously one of Morocco’s main weapons suppliers.
In addition to the new acquisition, Morocco had earlier procured an identical number of Caesar self-propelled howitzers from France in 2020 for 200 million euros ($207 million), with the first batch arriving in 2022. However, some of the delivered systems remain non-operational. KNDS France’s delayed response to unspecified issues has frustrated Moroccan authorities, who hoped for a “commercial gesture” that never materialized.
Morocco decided to take up Elbit Systems’ offer for the ATMOS, selecting it based on both commercial and technical factors. This decision has reportedly also impacted Arquus’ bid to sell support vehicles to the Moroccan Armed Forces.
The 155 mm/52 caliber ATMOS howitzer can be mounted on 6×6 or 8×8 truck chassis and boasts a range of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) with an extended range full bore base bleed projectile. It is capable of firing the first round within 30 seconds and can fire six rounds in 110 seconds, providing a “shoot and scoot” capability. Additionally, the system can fire eight rounds in a minute as indirect fire and up to five rounds for multiple rounds simultaneous impact.
The ATMOS is equipped with an advanced integrated electronic suite and command and control, featuring an inertial navigation system-based laying system and an automatic loading system. This enables precise navigation, increased firepower, and autonomous operation. The artillery system can be operated with a crew of 2-6, depending on customer requirements.
Elbit Systems announced in July its plans to manufacture defense systems for Morocco’s armed forces at its upcoming production sites in Morocco. In addition to serving Morocco, Elbit will cater to the defense needs of various African countries. The company plans to establish two sites in Morocco, with one potentially located in the Casablanca region, although this information has yet to be confirmed.
In 2023, trade between Morocco and Israel doubled, reaching $116.7 million compared to $56.2 million in 2022. This increase marked the fastest growth among the Arab countries that established ties with Israel in 2020, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan.
The new arms deal solidifies Israel’s position as Morocco’s third-largest weapons supplier, following the US and France, accounting for 11 percent of its total arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Morocco and Israel have a 60-year history of cooperation in military and intelligence matters, which deepened significantly after the signing of the Abraham Accords. Following the normalization agreement, Morocco secured deals to purchase Israel’s Barak 8 missile defense system, Elbit Hermes drones, and a spy satellite system for use in its ongoing conflict with the Polisario Front. The Sahrawi independence movement has clashed with Moroccan forces in recent years, demanding a self-determination referendum for the region, as recommended by the UN.
Morocco is actively seeking a more diversified range of Israeli weapon systems. Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Morocco has emerged as a significant client of Israeli defence industries. The evolving requirements can be attributed to ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria, despite UN mediation. The dispute primarily revolves around the status of Western Sahara, where Morocco’s sovereignty claims have gained international recognition.
With the need for advanced weapon systems, Morocco’s newly established relations with Israel have presented lucrative opportunities for Rabat. In February, a $500 million deal was concluded between Israel and Morocco for the Barak MX air and missile defence system, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
