Morocco has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to domestically produce the WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles. This collaboration marks a major milestone in Morocco’s efforts to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
The production facility, which will be located in Casablanca’s industrial zone, is set to begin operations within a year. The first Kestrel/WhAP 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) are expected to roll off the production line in 18 months. This initiative is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand its defense manufacturing capabilities and is seen as a critical step in boosting South-South cooperation and enhancing the country’s industrial ecosystem.
Initially, the factory is expected to produce 100 Kestrel/WhAP 8×8 vehicles annually. The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) will be the primary recipient of these armored vehicles, with plans for future exports to other African nations. The project is set to be completed within 36 months, starting with a local integration rate of 35%, which will increase to 50% as the factory scales up operations. This venture is expected to generate 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, contributing significantly to local economic growth.
The partnership includes financial, fiscal, and customs incentives, supported by multiple Moroccan government agencies, including the National Defense, Interior, Finance, and Industry ministries. These incentives are designed to ensure the long-term success of the venture and encourage further investment in Morocco’s defense sector.
The WhAP 8×8 Armored Combat Vehicle
Tata Advanced Systems’ flagship product, WhAP 8×8 (Wheeled Armoured Platform) is India’s First Amphibious Infantry Combat Vehicle (Wheeled), designed for optimized survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality.
Tata’s WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform), also known as the Kestrel, is an 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle developed in partnership with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The vehicle is designed for a variety of combat missions, including troop transport and reconnaissance, with a focus on protection, mobility, and firepower.
This collaboration between Morocco and TASL represents a significant success for both nations’ defense industries. It not only strengthens Morocco’s defense capabilities but also fosters economic growth and enhances industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, India has been strategically bolstering its presence in the global arms market, aspiring to rival established giants like Russia and China. This ambition has driven India to target African militaries for its domestically produced weapons, recognizing that budget constraints often make Western-made equipment inaccessible for these nations. Leveraging its initial successes, India is now positioned to expand its influence and solidify its role as a key player in African arms transactions.
However, it is noteworthy that there have been no actual weapons sales from India to any African recipient in over a year.