Morocco Partners with India’s Tata to Produce WhAP Combat Vehicles Locally

In September 2024, the National Defense Administration and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the international Tata Group conglomerate, had allied to produce the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle locally at the plant named TATA Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM) in Morocco. The investment agreement providing for the financial, fiscal and customs incentive scheme was signed by the ministers representing the Departments of National Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry and Investment, in the presence of representatives of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and AMDIE.

Five months later, this agreement has been strengthened. The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are carrying a project to develop new variants of Whap. These include configurations with 105mm and 120mm guns, as well as a specialized medical variant, reports the idrw website. Equipping the WhAP 8x8 with a 105mm gun will improve its firepower for direct engagements. The advantage of a 120mm variant is that it will favor even greater lethality, allowing it to be positioned as a light tank hunter. A medical variant will, in turn, offer evacuation and support capabilities on the battlefield, which is an essential asset for rapid intervention operations.