By Gitika Sharma
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelatif Loudyi, inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) defence manufacturing plant in Berrechid, Morocco. This is the first foreign facility of this type for an Indian company. The 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), created locally by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), would be produced at the 20,000 square cadence installation. It was described as a “major moment” in India-Morocco relations by the Ministry of Defence. Mr Singh stated that the facility represented the growing power of India’s defence industry and marked a new phase in strategic collaboration. The Royal Moroccan Army, next month, is all ready to receive the initial delivery of WhAP vehicles, with manufacturing starting three months earlier than the time planned.
Morocco’s biggest defence manufacturing site is the first international plant in Africa established by an Indian private firm.
The WhAP is a versatile combat system featuring enhanced protection, agility, and flexibility. The Ministry of Defence stated that configurations encompass infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, reconnaissance units, command posts, mortar carriers, and ambulance versions, with choices for remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missile systems.
Mr Singh emphasised that India’s concept of Aatmanirbhar Bharat goes beyond self-sufficiency to include “Make with Friends” and “Make for the World”. He mentioned that the initiative will create defense-related employment in Morocco, with initially one-third of the components obtained locally, increasing to 50% in the future
He emphasised Morocco’s vital part as an important link connecting Africa and Europe with the idea of turning the installation into an import mecca that would bolster bilateral defence ties, advance indigenous security, and ameliorate original capabilities. elderly officers from both countries, the Royal Armed Forces, and TASL attended the forum along with Morocco’s Minister of Industry & Trade, Ryad Mezzour. In Berrechid, Morocco, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) opened a state-of-the-art defence product installation Tuesday. Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh was there.