A major pact between Morocco and Elbit Systems has initiated deep defence cooperation by establishing a purchase of 36 ATMOS 2000 self-propelled artillery units.
The selection demonstrates Morocco’s dedication to upgrading its naval assets while showing a notable change in its defence acquisition methods.
Elbit Systems’ ATMOS 2000 has gained fame for its high-speed deployment capabilities in addition to its 155mm/52 quality truck-mounted howitzer design. Its deployment on Czech Tatra vehicles provides this artillery system with extended forty-kilometer firing capabilities sophisticated electronic suites and automatic loading features which minimize personnel work while improving operational outcomes.
The acquisition took place after KNDS France failed to address operational problems with the previously supplied French CAESAR artillery systems.
The CAESAR units which were delivered in 2022 encountered typical technical problems based on reports which made the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) dissatisfied. The extended period to solve these issues led Morocco to begin seeking different solutions until they selected the Israeli ATMOS 2000 system.
The ATMOS 2000 secured Morocco’s strategic position with an Israeli defence framework despite its competition with the CAESAR system. The ATMOS 2000 exists in multiple configurations to suit different truck structures ranging from 6×6 to 8×8 which provides operators with operational flexibility.
The device features an advanced automated laying and navigation system which enables precise placements and integrates completely with present C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence) networks to improve battlefield awareness.
The equipment features a semi-automated loading system that enables an operation team consisting of two to six members to run efficiently thus extending its automated capacity beyond conventional towed and self-propelled howitzers.
