Doha -The French defense manufacturer KNDS (formerly known as the Nexter) has recognized technical problems with Caesar artillery systems that were delivered to Morocco, which led to his second failed contract with Rabat, which was for the purchase of ATMOS 2000 Howitzers from Israeli Elbit systems decided.
While a hearing In the French National Assembly on Wednesday, Alexandre Dupuy, director of the systems for systems at KNDS, failed to change the circumstances that led to Morocco changed to the procurement of military equipment from Israel.
The revelation comes first according to the French newspaper La Tribune reported Morocco’s decision to acquire 36 ATMOS 2000 self-funded Haubitzen from Israel’s Elbit systems.
“The Moroccans observed some operating and reliability problems with certain sub-funds, especially hydraulic components. These subassemblys are not produced by us, but by the sub -company chain, ”said Dupuy during his certificate.
The problems arose after Morocco in 2022 received its first batch of Caesar systems, a delivery that coincided with the increasing production obligations of KNDs for Ukraine.
The time of these technical problems proved to be particularly challenging for KNDS. “We had to produce new devices at a time when we already had a maximum production capacity for the increase in Ukraine,” said Dupuy.
He admitted that the KNDs were mobilized to identify and fix the problems, but the process was complex and required shooting tests and technical reviews on site.
“These operations took some time,” Dupuy admitted during the hearing and admitted that Ukraine Effects of the conflict The production capacity also played a role in the delays and complications that have occurred.
A shift for technical reasons, not political
Morocco had ordered 36 Caesar pieces in a contract worth 170 million euros in 2022, which included 30 million ammunition and training for the Personal Royal Armed Forces (FAR). However, recurring technical problems led to several symptoms from a distance to the French group.
Duppuy insisted that the technical difficulties have been solved since then and explained: “Today, both regiments are fully functional and we are proud to equip the Moroccan armed forces. They are members of the Caesar Club and will continue to benefit from the improvements that we do to Caesar. “
In this context, the KNDS executive insisted that Morocco’s decision to decide the Atmos 2000 of Elbit Systems 2000 is primarily due to technical skills and not to political considerations.
The Israeli manufacturer offered a combined solution with cannon and rocket launcher functions with which the KNDs could not match. “It is not the case that Morocco decided, but that Elbit suggested a different offer with faster development ability,” said Dupuy.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) Israel has become Morocco’s third largest military equipment supplier delivers more than 11% of its armament.
The developments combine with Morocco’s wider military modernization efforts. The most recent reports in the official bulletin of the country show that the Turkish company Baykar can set up the first Bayraktar drone production in Africa on Moroccan soil.
The North African country already has eighteen Bayractar TB2 drones and acquired is expected get the next generation Akinci model. In Morocco’s defense budget, 7% were also increase in 2025 compared to the previous year.
This case reflects a similar situation in Denmark, in which Elbit Systems successfully used the same strategy, combined combined artillery and rocket launchers to secure a contract for KNDS France.
Despite the setback, Duppuy claimed that the initial Caesar systems that were delivered in Morocco will continue to be put into operation and that the country will continue to receive technical updates as part of the “Caesar Club”.
However, the episode tightens the intensifying competition on the global defense market and the need for comprehensive weapon system skills when securing military contracts.
Experts describe Morocco’s approach to gun gathering as “pragmatic” and prioritize efficiency and strategic adaptability compared to the ideological orientation.
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