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India has formally delivered the first batch of its indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 to the Royal Moroccan Army, marking a pivotal moment in New Delhi’s defence export strategy and its deepening partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco.
Visuals from the handover ceremony confirmed the presence of at least five WhAP 8×8 vehicles, positioned on both flanks, signalling the commencement of their active service in the Moroccan armed forces.
This delivery follows a significant industrial milestone for Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). On 23 September, the company inaugurated its first overseas defence manufacturing plant in Berrechid, near Casablanca.
The facility was officially opened by the defence ministers of both India and Morocco, exactly one year after the initial agreement for local production was signed.
This event underscores the immense political and strategic importance attributed to this collaborative programme by both nations.
According to defence officials, the manufacturing model employs a hybrid approach. While the core WhAP systems and major sub-assemblies are supplied from India, the final assembly is executed at the new Moroccan facility.
This strategy leverages India’s design and manufacturing expertise while fostering indigenous industrial capabilities in Morocco.
It allows for a faster induction timeline and reflects a flexible export framework designed to meet partner countries' requirements for local value addition and economic development.
The WhAP 8×8, also known as the 'Kestrel' during its development phase with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a modular, high-mobility armoured platform.
It is powered by a 600 hp engine and features amphibious capabilities, allowing it to negotiate water obstacles effectively.
The vehicle is engineered to operate across diverse terrains, including the harsh desert conditions of North Africa.
Its 8×8 configuration provides an optimal balance of ballistic protection, payload capacity, and speed, making it suitable for various roles such as mechanised infantry transport, command posts, and specialist support missions.
For Morocco, inducting the WhAP 8×8 modernises its wheeled armoured fleet with a versatile, high-performance vehicle that offers lower lifecycle costs and the advantage of scalable local support.
For India, this handover represents a landmark achievement in defence exports, showcasing the growing maturity and global competitiveness of its private-sector defence industry.
