In a significant development for military procurement, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces has entered into a contract with Israel’s Elbit Systems to acquire 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled artillery systems. This new acquisition follows Morocco’s earlier purchase of an equal number of Caesar self-propelled howitzers from French manufacturer KNDS, which was finalized in 2020 at a cost of 200 million euros (approximately $207 million). The first delivery of the Caesar systems took place in 2022, but reports have surfaced regarding ongoing issues with these units.
According to La Tribune, the Moroccan military has reported “recurring problems” with the Caesar howitzers, with some units remaining non-operational. The situation has led to frustration among Moroccan officials, particularly due to the delayed response from KNDS concerning these unspecified issues. Local sources indicate that there were expectations for a “commercial gesture” from the French manufacturer to address these problems, which ultimately did not materialize.
In light of these challenges, Moroccan military officials have reportedly turned their attention to the Elbit Systems offering for the Atmos artillery systems, which were selected based on various commercial and technical criteria. This decision has also impacted Arquus’ prospective bid to supply support vehicles to the Moroccan Armed Forces.
The Atmos 2000 is a state-of-the-art 155 mm/52 caliber howitzer that can be mounted on either 6×6 or 8×8 truck chassis. It boasts an impressive range of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) when using extended range projectiles. The system is designed for rapid engagement, capable of firing its first round within 30 seconds and achieving a rate of up to six rounds in 110 seconds. This “shoot and scoot” capability enhances mobility and responsiveness on the battlefield, allowing the system to fire eight rounds per minute as indirect fire or execute multiple rounds simultaneous impact.
Further enhancing its operational capabilities, the Atmos 2000 is equipped with an advanced integrated electronic suite, which features an inertial navigation system for precise targeting and an automatic loading system to streamline operations. The versatility of the system allows it to be operated by a crew ranging from two to six personnel, depending on the specific requirements of the customer.
The shift in procurement strategy marks a crucial moment for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces as they seek to upgrade and enhance their artillery capabilities in response to past challenges and ongoing regional security dynamics.
