Moroccan sSigma Corvettes

According to Mer et Marine, Morocco has ordered of 3 Dutch Sigma class corvettes.
The configuration of the corvettes is not known at this time.

Configuration of Indonesian Sigmas
2 Block 2 Tetral Systems
Exocet MM40 missiles
1 76mm
2 20mm
6 torpedo tubes for Italian A244

The Royal Moroccan Navy needs to add a light towed sonar, like the Captas Nano to its Sigmas

http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=106539

The Moroccan fleet is old, so this isn't a big surprise. This may delay the signing of the Moroccan FREMM contract.
 
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kato

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
The Moroccan fleet is old, so this isn't a big surprise.
Oh, but the numbers are. Three Sigmas plus one FREMM as replacements for two Floreals and one Descubierta? Serious upgrade. I would have expected two at most in such a deal, and not necessarily Sigmas. Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*

They'll need something new to replace their patrol boats sometime soon, and the Sigmas are definitely not on that line.

Someone could make some good money these days with a cheap modern 600- to 800-ton OPV.
 
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Morocco probably want cancel, its ASW FREMM. Tensions have been building between Morocco and Algeria. Algeria has 2 operational Kilo class submarines, and has ordered another 2 Kilos.
 
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Salah-ed-Din

New Member
The Sigma's are not replacements for the Floreal class frigates. The Descubierta class will be retired while the Floreal, FREMM (if materialized) and Sigma's will be operational.
 

swerve

Super Moderator
... Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*....
Different class of vessels, & the combined tonnage of 3 is less than one FREMM.

I'd say that buying or not buying the FREMM is a question of whether or not they really want - or can afford - such a large & capable ship, & what political message they want to send. The last, unfortunately, is often a major factor.
 

harryriedl

Active Member
Verified Defense Pro
Oh, but the numbers are. Three Sigmas plus one FREMM as replacements for two Floreals and one Descubierta? Serious upgrade. I would have expected two at most in such a deal, and not necessarily Sigmas. Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*

They'll need something new to replace their patrol boats sometime soon, and the Sigmas are definitely not on that line.

Someone could make some good money these days with a cheap modern 600- to 800-ton OPV.
that would be interesting but i can you fit a decent mount of weponds and the associated radar and power plant on such a small hull. There are the 10>150 FAC's which Israel has exported to SriLanka but these are coastal vessels
 

contedicavour

New Member
Ok this is weird. The Moroccan navy will operate simultaneously 2 Floreal OPVs, 3 totally different Sigma corvettes and a single FREMM (ASW I read ??). This is a perfectly inefficient way to strengthen a navy, 3 totally different classes of ships for a grand total of 6 ships ??

While the Floreal were perfect to patrol the Atlantic Ocean, and while I may understand the logic of the Sigma as FAC replacements in the Mediterranean (as mentioned, to keep an eye on Algeria), I don't really get what the FREMM would do other than hugely expensive flagship - besides, what version of the FREMM would it be ? Aster 15 or 30 ? Land attack (which might make sense to provide an asset vs Algeria) ? ASW (first start buying ASW helos and patrol aircrafts) ?

I remain puzzled. Let's see how the situation evolves.

cheers
 
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  • #8
Ok this is weird. The Moroccan navy will operate simultaneously 2 Floreal OPVs, 3 totally different Sigma corvettes and a single FREMM (ASW I read ??). This is a perfectly inefficient way to strengthen a navy, 3 totally different classes of ships for a grand total of 6 ships ??

While the Floreal were perfect to patrol the Atlantic Ocean, and while I may understand the logic of the Sigma as FAC replacements in the Mediterranean (as mentioned, to keep an eye on Algeria), I don't really get what the FREMM would do other than hugely expensive flagship - besides, what version of the FREMM would it be ? Aster 15 or 30 ? Land attack (which might make sense to provide an asset vs Algeria) ? ASW (first start buying ASW helos and patrol aircrafts) ?

I remain puzzled. Let's see how the situation evolves.

cheers
The Moroccan FREMM will probably be a downgraded LA version. The LA FREMM is much cheaper than the ASW version. LA FREMM has a hull sonar and MU90 torpedos for self-defense. The Moroccans could choose VL MICA, to cutdown the price of their FREMM. And yes, it probably be a hugely expensive flagship.
 
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