Morocco has partnered with India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce the WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles domestically.
The production facility, reportedly set to be established in Casablanca’s industrial zone, will begin operations within a year, with the first Kestrel/WhAP 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) expected to roll off the line in 18 months.
This collaboration is viewed as a significant success for both the Indian and Moroccan defense industries. The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) will be the primary recipient of these armored vehicles, with plans for future exports to African nations. Initially, the factory is expected to produce 100 Kestrel/WhAP 8×8 vehicles annually.
The collaboration with TASL is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand its defense manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The initiative is also seen as a critical step in boosting South-South cooperation and enhancing Morocco’s industrial ecosystem.
Set to be completed within 36 months, the project will begin with a local integration rate of 35%, increasing to 50% as the factory scales up operations. The factory is expected to generate 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, contributing to local economic growth.
The partnership also 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 while encouraging further investment in Morocco’s defense sector.
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.