Morocco is studying a potential major arms procurement from South Korea that could include up to 400 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and the Cheongung medium-range air defense system, according to a report by the defense-focused website Defense Blog, citing South Korean sources.
The report says the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are exploring the deal as part of a broader strategy to diversify military acquisitions away from traditional US and European suppliers.
If completed, the purchase would mark the first time advanced South Korean ground combat and air defense systems are integrated into Morocco’s armed forces.
According to industrial sources in Seoul quoted by Defense Blog, the prospective agreement reflects Rabat’s efforts to modernize its land and air defense capabilities after years of operating a mixed fleet of armored vehicles that are costly to maintain and logistically complex.
The sources added that Morocco’s interest extends beyond a single weapons platform, pointing instead to a comprehensive review of its overall defense structure.
The K2 Black Panther, developed by South Korea, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced main battle tanks, featuring modern fire-control systems, high mobility, and strong battlefield survivability.
The Cheongung air defense system, also known as KM-SAM, is designed to intercept aircraft and missiles at medium ranges, strengthening layered air defense capabilities.
Analysts say a deal of this scale would underscore Morocco’s ambition to enhance both ground warfare and air defense readiness while expanding defense partnerships in Asia. Such a move would also further position South Korea as a growing global supplier of advanced military technology beyond its traditional regional markets.
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