New Delhi, Sept 23 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi today jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art Defence manufacturing facility at Berrechid in Morocco.
Under a contract with the Government of Morocco, TASL will deliver Wheeled Armoured Platform (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 Morocco’s largest Defence manufacturing facility, marking the first such plant by an Indian private company in Africa, a Defence Ministry statement said.
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 survivable monocoque hull with scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, central tyre inflation system and 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not merely to manufacture for 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.
He said 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.
“This is not just the opening of a new plant, but the beginning of a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between India and Morocco. The establishment of this facility is a symbol of the growing strategic convergence between our two nations and demonstrates the strength of India’s defence industry,” stated Rajnath Singh.
The Defence Minister 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.
Rajnath 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 and Trade, Morocco, Ryad Mezzour, along with senior officials from Moroccan Government, Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, Indian Government, Indian Armed Forces and TASL were present on the occasion.
