Morocco opts for Israeli artillery weapons system over French version amid supplier discontent

Morocco has agreed to purchase 36 Atmos 2000 artillery systems from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, according to the Jerusalem Post citing a report in French newspaper La Tribune. 

The decision was reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with Morocco’s previous cannon supplier, French company KNDS. In 2020, Morocco procured Caesar self-propelled howitzers from KNDS, but shortly after their delivery in 2022, repeated technical issues arose.

Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces reportedly grew frustrated with the company's slow response to their concerns. 

“The Moroccans were expecting a commercial gesture from the French that never came,” a source told La Tribune.

Seeking a more reliable alternative, Morocco opted for Elbit Systems’ Atmos 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System), a 155mm/52 caliber artillery platform mounted on a 6×6 or 8×8 truck chassis. Unlike the Caesars, which rely on French Arquus or Mercedes-Benz trucks, the Atmos system offers greater flexibility, as it can be integrated with a wider range of vehicle platforms, according to Army Recognition, a global defense news site.

The Atmos 2000 features an armored cabin that accommodates up to six crew members. According to Elbit systems, the system can relocate within 30 seconds after firing, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery attacks, 

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the U.S. remains Morocco’s top arms supplier, accounting for 69% of its military imports in 2023. France ranks second, while Israel is in the third position, contributing 11% of Morocco’s arms acquisitions.