On September 23, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) new defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco. This marks the first overseas plant set up by an Indian defence firm.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will manufacture the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, designed jointly by TASL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Features of WhAP
The WhAP 8×8 is a modular combat vehicle that offers:
- Advanced protection, mobility, and adaptability
- Multiple role-based configurations, including:
- Infantry fighting vehicle
- Armoured personnel carrier
- Reconnaissance and command post
- Mortar carrier and ambulance
- Options for remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems
Strategic Importance
The plant underscores India’s growing role in the global defence industry and strengthens defence cooperation with Morocco, while showcasing the export potential of Indian-designed military platforms.
![](https://www.gstimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MARCH-2024-GS-TIMES-1ADD.jpg")
