The construction of the new Avante 1800 offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Moroccan Navy is progressing steadily, according to Defense Atlas. Built by the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, the project officially began with the steel cutting in July 2023, followed by the keel laying in September 2024 at the San Fernando shipyard. Delivery is expected by mid-2026. Estimated at around €260 million for two units, the program reflects Morocco's long-term commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities. The deal also includes an option for one or two additional vessels. Originally launched under Moroccan-Spanish naval cooperation, the project was suspended during the 2021 diplomatic crisis. It was revived after Spain backed Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara, with a €95 million loan from Santander Bank facilitating the final agreement. • First images of the construction progress of the Avante-1800 corvette for the Royal Moroccan Navy ?? • The ship will have a displacement of 2020 tons with a length of 87 meters • Equipped with a deck for helicopters or vertical take-off drones • Combat and armament systems have not yet been disclosed • Design of Avante 1800… pic.twitter.com/SIjyXCZDBn — Defense Atlas - المرصد الأطلسي للدفاع و التسليح (@DefenseAtlas009) April 28, 2025 The Avante 1800 will join a modernizing Moroccan fleet that already includes the FREMM frigate Mohammed VI and three SIGMA-class corvettes. Featuring a modular design, the ship can adapt to various mission profiles, including exclusive economic zone surveillance, anti-trafficking and anti-pollution operations, search and rescue, rapid intervention, and support for combat divers. Measuring 87 meters in length and displacing 2,100 tons, the vessel offers a range of 4,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 26 knots. It includes a flight deck for 10-ton helicopters, a hangar for drones or light helicopters, and two 8-meter fast boats. Although the armament for the Moroccan version has not been officially confirmed, it is expected to include: A 76 mm main gun, 35 mm and 12.7 mm guns, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles. It will also likely be equipped with electronic warfare systems, 3D radar, IFF, sonar, and passive defense systems. Inspired by export versions sold to Venezuela, the Moroccan Avante 1800 incorporates stealth features to reduce radar and thermal signatures, enhancing survivability in combat operations.
