Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi on Tuesday jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)’s state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, marking a historic milestone in India-Morocco strategic ties.
Spread across 20,000 square metres, the facility will produce the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, jointly designed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The platform features a modular design, advanced mobility, scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, high-power engine, and options for both manned and unmanned weapon stations. Configurations include infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier, and ambulance variants.
The facility is the largest defence manufacturing plant in Morocco and the first of its kind by an Indian private company in Africa. Production has already commenced, with initial deliveries to the Royal Moroccan Army scheduled to begin next month. Notably, the plant became operational three months ahead of schedule.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said, “India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not only to meet domestic needs but to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world. This facility reflects our approach of ‘**Make in India,’ ‘Make with Friends,’ and ‘Make for the World’.”
He highlighted the facility’s economic and strategic impact, noting that approximately one-third of components will be sourced locally, with local value addition expected to rise to 50% in the coming years. The plant is projected to generate significant defence-related employment and develop a robust ecosystem of engineers, technicians, and suppliers in Morocco.
Singh underscored the strategic importance of Morocco’s location as a gateway to Africa and Europe, positioning the facility as a hub for exports and collaboration. He added that the plant strengthens India-Morocco defence cooperation, enhances regional security, and inspires young talent in both countries to innovate and collaborate.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials from the Moroccan Government, Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, Indian Government, Indian Armed Forces, and TASL.
The TASL facility in Morocco represents a model of international collaboration that respects sovereignty, strengthens local capacities, and contributes to global peace and stability, while also serving as a bridge between continents and markets for advanced defence technologies.