The Royal Moroccan Navy launched the “Avanti 1800+” vessel on May 27, 2025, as part of efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities, following the instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces. The ceremony took place in the dry dock of Navantia in San Fernando, Spain, after the completion of the ship’s external structure.
The event was attended by civil and military figures from both Morocco and Spain. Among those present were Navantia’s CEO Ricardo Dominguez, San Fernando’s mayor Patricia Cavada, and Puerto Real’s mayor Aurora Salvador, alongside the Deputy Government Representative in Cádiz Blanca Flores and the Admiral Ruben Rodriguez Peña, commander of the naval base in Cádiz.
In his opening speech, the CEO of Navantia expressed pride in this industrial achievement, stating that the launch of the ship represents a turning point in Moroccan-Spanish defense cooperation. He praised the commitment of the technical teams and the quality of joint work, reflecting what he termed the strength of the maritime partnership between Rabat and Madrid.
The representative of the Royal Moroccan Navy emphasized the long-standing relations between Morocco and Spain, indicating that this project reflects the Kingdom’s aim to modernize its maritime defense systems, in line with the royal vision to address security challenges in the region.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic activation of the vessel’s launch into the sea, led by Captain Mohamed Al-Faheli, a representative of the Royal Moroccan Navy, and Alberto Cervantes from Navantia. This stage signifies a crucial point in the ship’s construction, which is expected to be officially delivered in approximately one year during a special ceremony.
The new vessel measures 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, with a draft of 4 meters and a total displacement of around 2020 tons. It accommodates a crew of about 60 personnel and will be equipped with a helipad for helicopters or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), as well as two high-speed RHIBs, enhancing its capability to undertake various maritime missions.
Regarding propulsion, the “Avanti 1800+” relies on MAN 175D diesel engines, supported by five Baudouin 6 M26.3 generators, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 24 knots and providing high flexibility in various operational conditions.
As for armament, while precise details have not yet been disclosed, the design allows for significant customization, with expectations to outfit the vessel with a main gun of either 76 or 57 mm, in addition to remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) in 25 or 30 mm calibers, with the possibility of integrating missile systems in the future.
The project also includes a comprehensive technical and logistical support package, featuring spare parts, technical tools, documentation, and training programs for the Royal Moroccan Navy crews, enhancing Morocco’s operational readiness in monitoring and controlling its maritime domain and supporting its strategic presence along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
