Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited&rsquo;s (TASL) new manufacturing facility for wheeled armoured platforms at Berrechid, marking India&rsquo;s first defence manufacturing plant in Africa.
Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will produce the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8, designed jointly by TASL and India&rsquo;s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The WhAP is a modular combat vehicle featuring advanced mobility, protection, and mission adaptability, with configurations including infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, command post, mortar carrier, ambulance variants, and options for manned or unmanned weapon stations and anti-tank missile capability.
Under its contract with the Moroccan government, TASL will deliver WhAP 8x8 vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin next month. The facility became operational three months ahead of schedule, making it Morocco&rsquo;s largest defence manufacturing plant and the first by an Indian private company in Africa.
The inauguration signifies India&rsquo;s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming not only to meet domestic defence requirements but also to become a credible global supplier of advanced technology and high-quality defence products. The facility also reflects India&rsquo;s strategic approach of &lsquo;Make in India,&rsquo; &lsquo;Make with Friends,&rsquo; and &lsquo;Make for the World,&rsquo; strengthening India-Morocco ties and highlighting the growing capabilities of India&rsquo;s defence industry.

TASL’s Morocco facility for Wheeled Armoured Platforms strengthens India-Morocco ties

India Opens First Defence Plant in Africa

TASL’s Morocco facility for Wheeled Armoured Platforms strengthens India-Morocco ties

September 24, 2025 | 16:41 IST