Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has inaugurated its first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Casablanca region, dedicated to the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 (WhAP 8×8). The state-of-the-art facility was formally opened by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, and Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defence, Kingdom of Morocco, in the presence of senior officials from both nations. This landmark achievement marks the first time a private Indian defence company has established a production unit abroad, underscoring India’s growing capability to design and deliver advanced combat platforms in collaboration with DRDO.
Spanning 20,000 square meters, the facility is the largest defence manufacturing site in the Kingdom of Morocco. Under its agreement with the Moroccan government, TASL will produce and supply the WhAP 8×8, with initial deliveries set to begin next month. The plant became operational three months ahead of schedule and has already commenced production.
The new facility has generated employment opportunities, developed a strong local supplier network, and built critical technology capabilities, including in-country product support and partnerships with ancillary suppliers providing essential subsystems. Commenting on the occasion, Sukaran Singh, CEO & MD of Tata Advanced Systems, said, “This facility represents a strategic milestone for TASL and a new chapter in India–Morocco industrial collaboration. It is our first overseas manufacturing base and reinforces our commitment to providing designed-in-India defence technology to partner nations worldwide.” The facility will initially meet the requirements of the Royal Moroccan Army, with plans to expand production to serve other friendly nations, particularly in Africa.
The WhAP 8×8, jointly developed by DRDO and Tata, is a next-generation modular armoured platform offering high mobility, survivability, and mission flexibility. It features a powerful engine with independent suspension and central tyre inflation for superior off-road capability, a survivable monocoque hull with scalable ballistic and mine protection, and configurations for remote weapon stations, anti-tank guided missile systems, amphibious operations, and multiple mission variants including IFV, APC, reconnaissance, command, mortar carrier, and ambulance roles.
TASL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is one of India’s leading aerospace and defence companies, offering integrated solutions across aerostructures, airborne platforms, defence and security systems, and land mobility solutions. TASL has a robust portfolio of global partnerships and joint ventures, serving as a key supplier and strategic partner for several international aerospace and defence OEMs. With its comprehensive capabilities from design to full platform assembly, TASL delivers advanced, end-to-end solutions across critical defence domains, including missiles, radars, unmanned systems, artillery, optronics, and protected mobility solutions.
