Next step for the future patrol boats of Moroccan Navy.

According to information published by Yabiladi on October 27, 2022, the Moroccan government has given the green light to a loan of 95 million euros for the future patrol boats based on the Avante 1400 OPVs.
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Artist rendering of the patrol boat Avante 1400 (Picture source: Navantia)

This step in the construction of the FAR patrol boat by Navantia had been eagerly awaited for months by the company's management and employee representatives.

Indeed, the president of the Spanish public company, Ricardo Domínguez had hoped, two weeks after the April 7 summit in Rabat, between King Mohammed VI and Pedro Sanchez, that the project could benefit from the new stage in relations between Rabat and Madrid.

The Moroccan order was announced on January 8, 2021, by the Spanish Minister of Finance, Maria Jesus Montero. The socialist was pleased, then in statements to the press, that the contract provides jobs for 250 employees in the region of Cadiz for at least three years.

For the record, it was in January 2020 that the Spanish public company Navantia had proposed to Morocco the construction of two patrol boats worth 260 million euros.

About the Avante 1400 OPV

The Avante 1400 has a length of 80 meters, a length of 11.5 meters, and a maximum draft of four meters, with a fully loaded displacement of 1,500 tons and a maximum speed of 22 knots.

It can carry a crew of 35 people, plus an additional 29. As regards armament, it incorporates 76 mm and 35 mm pieces and 12.7 mm medium machine guns.

Among the sensors, there is a fire control system, surveillance and navigation radars, and electronic warfare equipment. It also incorporates a helicopter deck and space for semi-rigid vessels.