The Royal Moroccan Navy is set to take delivery of Mohammed VI on 25 November 2013. (DCNS)
Mohammed VI will be handed over at French shipbuilding and systems house DCNS’s shipyard in Brest, after a build and trials programme which began once a contract came into effect in August 2008. The ship was launched in September 2011 at the DCNS Lorient yard.
IHS Jane’s understands that the anti-submarine warfare-focused vessel will also be used to patrol Morocco’s maritime domain and participate in combined operations with NATO and other navies. The arrival of Mohammed VI arguably will make the Royal Moroccan Navy one of the most capable in Africa, adding to a combat fleet currently consisting of three Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (SIGMA) frigates, two STX France-built Floréal frigates, one Raidco Marine offshore patrol vessel, and one Bazan-built Descubierta corvette.
