Raksha Mantri inaugurates TASL’s defence manufacturing facility for production of WhAP

By Staff Report September 25, 2025 3:38 pm IST

Tata Advanced Systems inaugurated its state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdelatif Loudyi. The plant will produce WhAP 8×8 vehicles for the Royal Moroccan Army and marks the first Indian private defence facility in Africa.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister of Morocco Abdelatif Loudyi jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, on September 23, 2025. He described the occasion as a historic moment in the evolving strategic partnership between India and Morocco. Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will undertake production of the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, jointly designed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The WhAP is a modern modular combat platform equipped with advanced mobility, protection and mission adaptability. Its features, such as a survivable monocoque hull with scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, a central tyre inflation system and a high-power engine, ensure superior off-road performance. Configurations include infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier and even ambulance variants. Options for manned or unmanned remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missile capability further enhance its versatility.

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

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not merely to manufacture for its own needs, but to develop capabilities that allow India to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world. “For India, self-reliance does not mean isolation; rather, we aim to develop strategic autonomy under Aatmanirbharta. We want to develop capabilities that allow us to defend our nation independently while maintaining engagement with global partners. Along with ‘Make in India,’ we are also pursuing ‘Make with Friends’ and ‘Make for the World’; this facility in Morocco is a shining example of that approach,” he underlined.

Raksha Mantri highlighted 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 percent in the coming years. Dedicated partners are also engaged to provide critical subsystems and technologies, ensuring in-country product support. This integration is expected to deepen Morocco’s defence industrial base, enhance its self-reliance, and build long-term capacities for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

The Raksha Mantri underscored that Morocco’s strategic location as a gateway to Africa and Europe makes the facility an important hub for exports and collaboration, further enhancing defence ties between the two nations. He further stated that the facility will not only contribute to regional security and prosperity but also inspire young talent in India and Morocco to work together in building a secure and innovative future. He also underlined that the facility represents a model of cooperation that respects sovereignty, strengthens local capacity, and contributes to global peace and stability.

Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the facility has already generated both direct and indirect employment, developed a supplier ecosystem, and built critical technology capabilities within Morocco. Beyond meeting Moroccan defence requirements, it is also designed to export in the future, thereby serving as a bridge between continents and between markets.

Minister of Industry & Trade, Morocco, Ryad Mezzour, along with senior officials from the Moroccan Government, Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, the Indian Government, Indian Armed Forces and TASL were also present on the occasion.