Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has inaugurated a defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Casablanca region, to produce the Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 (WhAP 8×8). Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will handle production and delivery for the Government of Morocco, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin next month. Production commenced ahead of schedule, with operations starting three months earlier than planned.
The facility was inaugurated on 23 September by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, and Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration National Defence, Morocco, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.
According to the company, the facility has generated direct and indirect employment, created a supplier ecosystem, built technology capabilities, and established product support within Morocco. It also supports ancillary partners providing subsystems and technologies.
“As the first overseas manufacturing facility by a private Indian defence OEM, it also marks our strategic initiative to begin offering designed-in-India Defence technology systems to friendly countries overseas. Today’s Defence factory inauguration near Casablanca in Morocco marks a new chapter in the India–Morocco industrial partnership, and Tata Advanced Systems is proud to be part of this milestone,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems.
Initially, the facility will serve the Royal Moroccan Army, with plans to expand production for export to other African countries.
The WhAP 8×8, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata, is a modular armoured platform. It incorporates a high-power engine, independent suspension, and central tyre inflation system. The vehicle features a monocoque hull with scalable ballistic and mine protection, and can be configured with remote weapon stations, anti-tank guided missile capability, amphibious operations, and role-specific variants including infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command, mortar carrier, and ambulance.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, operates in aerospace and defence manufacturing. Its portfolio includes aircraft structures, aerospace components, defence systems, and integrated solutions for domestic and international markets.
