Morocco shifts artillery preference from France to Israel's Atmos 2000
According to the portal La Tribune, Morocco has chosen to purchase 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled artillery guns instead of additional CAESAR howitzers from France. The decision was reportedly influenced by dissatisfaction with the problematic French systems, which Ukrainians perceive quite differently.
Morocco received its first CAESAR howitzers in 2022 and quickly began reporting that they were not performing as expected. La Tribune notes that Moroccans complained about recurring technical issues with the artillery systems acquired from France, which were sometimes so severe that the equipment was considered unfit for service. Although KNDS France was supposed to address these reports from the African country, not everything could be promptly resolved, and some of the CAESARs purchased by Morocco are said to remain inoperative to this day.
Morocco no longer wants French artillery
Despite this, a contract for additional CAESAR howitzers for Morocco seemed very likely. According to La Tribune, financial issues might ultimately have led to choosing a competitor's solution. KNDS France did not present a "commercial gesture," which was cleverly capitalised on by Atmos 2000's manufacturer, Elbit Systems from Israel.
With the acquisition of Atmos 2000, the equipment of the Moroccan army, which already uses artillery from the United States and France (not only CAESAR, but also Mk F3), will become even more diverse. The new weapon will necessitate additional training for artillery operators.
CAESAR systems utilise a 155 mm calibre gun with a barrel length of 52 calibres, which provides them with a high range. The firing range varies depending on the type of ammunition, ranging from about 40 kilometres up to 55 kilometres, though it can be increased to up to 80 kilometres when using new sub-calibre Vulcano GLR shells.
In Ukraine, CAESAR howitzers perform very well
French artillery is performing well in Ukraine, with local soldiers praising its range, accuracy, and suitable mobility. The French offer two variants - a base model on a Renault 6x6 chassis and a larger one using a Tatra 8x8 chassis, which also features an armoured cabin. Morocco opted for the former.
Representatives of Elbit Systems assert that the Atmos 2000 surpasses the French howitzers (especially in the base variant) in several aspects, such as mobility, automation, and striking power. The Israelis use a Tatra chassis and a 155 mm gun in this instance, which provides a range of about 40 kilometres.
