Indian Defense Firm to Build Armored Vehicle Plant in Morocco

– bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read
Indian Defense Firm to Build Armored Vehicle Plant in Morocco

The Indian defense group Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is setting up an armored vehicle production unit in Casablanca, through a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Tata Advanced Systems Maroc SARLAU. An approved investment that could reach $16 million (around 160 million MAD) supports this project, which aims to expand TASL’s presence in the African armaments market.

This approach is linked to an order for 150 WhAP 8x8 amphibious wheeled armored vehicles by the Moroccan army, announced in 2024. Developed with the Indian DRDO research organization and Tata Motors, this versatile vehicle constitutes a major export contract for TASL.

The Casablanca plant will have an annual production capacity of 100 WhAP 8x8 units, reports Barlamane. It will supply the Moroccan market and serve as an export platform to Africa and the Middle East. The goal is to be operational within twelve months, for first deliveries within eighteen months.

The project also aims to stimulate the local defense ecosystem through employment, training and a Moroccan supply chain. A progressive local integration rate is planned, going from 35% to 50%, in order to contribute to Morocco’s strategic autonomy and position it as a regional hub for armored vehicle production.