The Royal Armed Forces of Morocco (Forces Armées Royales – FAR) will bolster their military arsenal with the addition of 200 Cobra 2 armored vehicles from Turkish company Otokar.

According to Africa Intelligence, this development signifies a growing relationship between Morocco and the Turkish defence sector. However, it should be noted that Otokar announced the sale of these vehicles on January 14 to a not-specified buyer, so caution is advised.

The procurement is estimated at about 136 million dollars and the contract includes the armored vehicles, as well as essential spare parts, maintenance support, and operators training. The delivery of these units is scheduled to start by late 2024, with completion expected over the following year.

Further, a number of these vehicles, about 20, is intended for Moroccan troops involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations. To date, the vehicle in question is in service with several countries, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Senegal, Turkey, Tunisia, and Ukraine.

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In terms of armament, the Cobra 2 can be equipped with a 7.62 or 12.7 mm caliber machine gun or an automatic cannon of up to 25 mm. This armament capability makes it adaptable to various combat scenarios, including reconnaissance missions, fire support, and security. Its armored protection is designed to withstand 7.62 mm ammunition fire and artillery shell splinters, providing increased safety for the crew.

The vehicle weighs 14,500 kg and can reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h, allowing great mobility across different terrains. With a range of 700 km, the Cobra 2 is ideal for extended missions without the frequent need for refuelling.

The Cobra 2 is also designed to comfortably transport a crew of two plus nine infantrymen. Its dimensions – 6.4 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high – make it compact enough for urban navigation, while being adequately spacious for combat operations.

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