18-04-2025
Morocco Eyes Purchase of Korean Tanks, Submarines, and Air Defense Systems
Rabat – Morocco is exploring new opportunities in defense cooperation with South Korea, as economic ties between the two countries continue to grow, Arab Defense reported.
During an official visit to Seoul, Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, expressed strong interest in advanced South Korean military systems, including the K2 Black Panther tank, the KSS-III submarine, and the Cheongung air defense system, according to the report.
This visit comes shortly after Morocco signed a major railway deal with South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, worth around €1.5 billion. The agreement included the purchase of double-decker train units and has paved the way for deeper cooperation in other sectors, including defense.
According to Korean media reports, Mezzour took a close look at several military systems produced by South Korean companies. He showed particular interest in the K2 Black Panther tank, a high-tech tank equipped with a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine.
The minister also showed interest in the KSS-III submarine; added the report. The 3,000-ton submarine, developed and built entirely in South Korea, has been in service since 2018 and is being considered by countries like Canada and Poland to upgrade their naval fleets.
Morocco is also reportedly eyeing the Cheongung (KM-SAM) air defense system, designed to intercept both fighter jets and ballistic missiles. Its improved version, Cheongung 2, has already been exported to several countries in the Middle East.
While in Seoul, Mezzour held meetings with key South Korean government officials, including Kim Hee-sang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The discussions focused on starting negotiations for an economic partnership agreement and creating a non-binding but structured framework to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to work together more closely to face global economic challenges, such as supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism.
