India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited's (TASL) new defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, located in the Casablanca region of Morocco. This marks a significant milestone as the first overseas defence manufacturing unit established by a private Indian company. The facility will produce the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8, a modern armored vehicle designed for mobility, protection, and mission flexibility, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and TASL.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Rajnath Singh and Morocco's Minister Delegate for National Defence, Abdeltif Loudyi, along with other senior officials from both countries. The establishment of this plant underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Morocco and highlights India's growing capabilities in defence manufacturing. Singh emphasized that this initiative strengthens the shared resolve between the two nations and represents a historic moment for the Indian defence industry.

Spread across 20,000 square meters, the new manufacturing plant is considered the largest defence manufacturing site in Morocco. TASL's contract with the Moroccan government involves the production and delivery of the WhAP 8x8, with initial deliveries expected to commence next month. The facility became operational three months ahead of schedule, and production is already underway.

The WhAP 8x8 is a modular armored platform that offers a range of configurations, including remote weapon stations, manned or unmanned operations, and amphibious capabilities. It can be adapted for various roles, such as a mortar carrier or ambulance. Critical subsystems and technologies will be supplied by dedicated partners.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, stated that this facility marks a strategic initiative to offer "designed-in-India" defence technology systems to friendly countries. He added that the inauguration signifies a new chapter in the industrial partnership between India and Morocco.

Rajnath Singh highlighted that this plant serves as a bridge between the region and the global market. He noted that India's growing technological and industrial base positions it as a rising hub of innovation and a reliable partner for the Global South. The Defence Minister also emphasized that India's vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) aims to develop capabilities that enable the country to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world.

The establishment of this defence unit is expected to boost India's role as a reliable defence partner and signifies the beginning of Indian defence production beyond its national borders. The facility has already created direct and indirect jobs, strengthened local suppliers, built technical capabilities, and established in-country product support.

Furthermore, India and Morocco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize defence cooperation across various areas, including training, joint exercises, cyber and maritime security, and defence industry collaboration. India has also announced the creation of a dedicated Defence Wing at its embassy in Rabat to facilitate capacity building and strengthen ties between the armed forces of both nations. This collaboration aligns with India's "Make in India for the World" strategy and supports Morocco's defence industrial ambitions.