In a significant step for India’s growing defence industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi, officially opened Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This historic inauguration marks the very first time an Indian defence firm has established an overseas production plant.
Spanning an impressive 20,000 square meters, this cutting-edge facility is set to produce the advanced Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. This formidable vehicle is a product of collaborative design between TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), highlighting indigenous innovation.
The Indian Ministry of Defence hailed this inauguration as a ‘historic moment,’ underscoring the deepening bond and strategic partnership between India and Morocco.
Minister Singh emphasized that the new plant signifies a pivotal new chapter in the India-Morocco strategic relationship and powerfully symbolizes the robust growth of India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. Production of the WhAP vehicles is already three months ahead of schedule, with initial deliveries expected to reach the Royal Moroccan Army next month. This venture not only stands as Morocco’s largest defence manufacturing site but also represents the first overseas facility by an Indian private company on African soil.
The Versatile Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP)
The WhAP is lauded for its modularity, offering advanced protection, superior mobility, and exceptional adaptability in combat scenarios. The Ministry of Defence detailed its diverse configurations, which include specialized variants such as infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, reconnaissance units, command posts, mortar carriers, and even ambulance versions. Furthermore, these platforms can be equipped with remote weapon stations and sophisticated anti-tank guided missile systems, making them incredibly versatile.
Rajnath Singh passionately articulated India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), explaining that it encompasses more than just national self-sufficiency. It extends to fostering international collaboration through ‘Make with Friends’ and contributing globally with ‘Make for the World’ initiatives. He proudly highlighted that this project will create significant defence-related job opportunities in Morocco, beginning with one-third of components sourced locally and projected to increase to 50% in the near future.
The Minister underscored Morocco’s critical strategic position, serving as a vital gateway to both Africa and Europe. This makes the new facility an ideal export hub, poised to significantly deepen bilateral defence ties, bolster local industrial capacity, and enhance regional security across the continent.
The inaugural ceremony saw the esteemed presence of Morocco’s Minister of Industry & Trade, Ryad Mezzour, alongside high-ranking officials from both the Indian and Moroccan governments, representatives from the Royal Armed Forces, and key figures from TASL.