Casablanca, Morocco – In a move to significantly enhance its defence capabilities, Morocco has signed a landmark agreement with Indian conglomerate Tata Motors for the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). This deal will see the establishment of a Tata Motors manufacturing facility in Morocco, marking a major step in the North African nation's industrial development and military modernization efforts.
Initially, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces will acquire 150 WhAP IFVs, with plans to procure an additional 400 units in the future. These advanced vehicles will replace the aging French-supplied VAB IFVs and AML-90/60 armored cars currently in service. The WhAP is expected to provide a significant upgrade in firepower, mobility, and protection for Moroccan troops.
The first 150 WhAPs will be deployed to support the Moroccan military's Abrams tank units, providing crucial combat support roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and fire support. This integration of modern IFVs with main battle tanks is expected to significantly boost the effectiveness of Morocco's armored formations.
This agreement represents a strategic shift for Morocco, diversifying its military suppliers and reducing its reliance on traditional partners. By choosing the Indian-made WhAP, Morocco is tapping into the growing capabilities of the Indian defence industry. The deal also underscores India's increasing prominence as a global arms exporter.
The establishment of the Tata Motors facility in Morocco is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including technology transfer, job creation, and increased industrial capacity. This partnership signifies a deepening of ties between India and Morocco, with potential for further collaboration in defence and other sectors.
The WhAP IFV, jointly developed by Tata Advanced Systems and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is known for its amphibious capabilities, all-terrain performance, and advanced lethality. It is currently in limited service with the Indian Army, notably deployed along the Ladakh border.
