In a major boost to India's defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems has secured a significant contract with the Royal Moroccan Army for 150 units of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8x8).
This indigenously developed armored vehicle, a product of collaboration between Tata and DRDO, has proven its mettle in rigorous trials conducted in Morocco during 2022.
The journey to this landmark deal began over a year ago when Tata Advanced Systems, at their own expense, shipped a WhAP 8x8 vehicle from their Pune facility to Morocco for comprehensive testing. A small team of Tata personnel accompanied the vehicle, providing technical support and overseeing the trials that spanned 3-4 months.
Morocco's diverse terrain, ranging from the mountainous north to the high-altitude interior, provided the perfect proving ground for the WhAP 8x8. The vehicle underwent extensive cross-country trials, successfully navigating challenging environments and showcasing its adaptability and robustness. This rigorous testing phase played a crucial role in securing the confidence of the Royal Moroccan Army.
Following the successful trials, the army submitted a glowing report to the Moroccan defence ministry, praising the platform's performance. This positive feedback paved the way for the recent contract, marking a significant step in India's growing defence export capabilities.
The WhAP 8x8 is a versatile, multi-role platform designed for various combat and peacekeeping missions. Its 8x8 configuration ensures exceptional mobility, making it well-suited for Morocco's diverse terrain. The platform can be customized for specific roles, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and fire support, offering a high degree of flexibility to the end-user.
This initial order of 150 units is potentially just the first phase of a larger collaboration. Reports suggest the Royal Moroccan Army may procure an additional 400 units in the future as part of a broader modernization effort.
Furthermore, these future procurements are likely to involve local production in Morocco, with a 50% local content requirement as per the agreement between Tata and the Moroccan government. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral defence ties but also facilitates technology transfer and boosts Morocco's domestic defence industry.
The WhAP 8x8's success in Morocco is a testament to its capabilities and serves as a strong example of India's increasing prowess in the international defence market.
