Tata opens military vehicle facility in Morocco to boost defence production

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart from Morocco, Abdelatif Loudyi, jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco. Singh described the occasion as a historic moment, saying, “This is not just the opening of a new plant, but the beginning of a new chapter in friendship between India and Morocco.”

The facility will manufacture ‘Wheeled Armoured Platform’ (WhAP), a modern modular combat platform equipped with advanced mobility, protection, and mission adaptability. Spread over 20,000 square meters, the facility will produce the indigenously developed WhAP 8x8, jointly designed by TASL and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The WhAP features a survivable hull with ballistic and mine protection, a high-power engine for superior off-road performance, and various configurations, including infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, reconnaissance, command posts, mortar carriers, and ambulance variants. Options for manned or unmanned remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missile capabilities further enhance its versatility.

Under the contract with the Government of Morocco, TASL will deliver WhAP 8x8 vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin next month. Notably, the facility became operational three months ahead of schedule, and production has already commenced. This facility marks the Kingdom of Morocco’s largest defence manufacturing facility and the first such plant by an Indian private company in Africa.

The minister emphasised that the project is expected to generate significant defence-related employment and create a robust local ecosystem of engineers, technicians, and suppliers in Morocco. Approximately one-third of the components and sub-systems will be sourced and assembled locally from the outset, with the share of local value addition rising to 50 per cent in the coming years. Dedicated partners are engaged to provide critical subsystems and technologies, ensuring in-country product support.