Morocco prepares for an imminent inauguration of an armored vehicle assembly plant in Berrechid,developed jointly by Indian giant Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
The facility,operated under the name Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM),is expected to be inaugurated this September 22 or 23,coinciding with the visit of Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh to Morocco.
The plant will initially focus on assembling 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles known as WhAP (Wheeled Armored Amphibious Platform),with a local integration rate targeted at between 35% and 50%.
The WhAP is a modular combat vehicle designed for versatility across various terrains and missions,including troop transport,fire support,command operations,and medical evacuation.
According to Indian officials cited in local and international media,the Berrechid facility marks the first overseas military equipment factory established by an Indian company. The project is seen as a strategic move to deepen Indo-African defense ties ahead of the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit.
Beyond operational efficiency,the plant stands as a showcase for Morocco’s ambitions to become a regional hub for defense manufacturing. The collaboration with India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is expected to deliver over 400 units in various configurations over time.
United News - unews.co.za