Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has showcased its Morocco-manufactured WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicle at the eighth Marrakech Air Show, held from 7 to 10 October, highlighting its expanding ambitions in African and international defence markets, according to North Africa Post.
The vehicle is being produced at TASL’s manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, which the company plans to develop into a regional hub for defence manufacturing, sourcing, and exports.
Alongside the WhAP, TASL is exhibiting its LAMV 4×4 light armoured vehicle, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155 mm howitzer, and several unmanned platforms, showcasing the breadth of its land systems and defence technology portfolio.
Morocco Manufacturing Facility Strengthens India-Morocco Defence Cooperation
TASL’s Berrechid manufacturing complex spans approximately 20,000 square metres and was inaugurated on 23 September 2025 by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of National Defence Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi.
The facility represents a significant milestone for India’s private-sector defence industry, strengthening industrial cooperation between India and Morocco while establishing an important overseas manufacturing base for Indian defence equipment.
According to TASL, production began three months ahead of schedule. Approximately one-third of the vehicle’s components are currently manufactured or assembled locally, with the company targeting an increase in local content to 50% over time.
In December 2025, TASL delivered the first batch of WhAP vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army under a three-year contract covering 150 platforms. The company has also outlined plans to manufacture approximately 400 WhAP vehicles at the Berrechid facility to support Moroccan requirements and potential export orders.
WhAP 8×8: An Indigenous Amphibious Combat Platform
Jointly developed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle designed to combine mobility, protection, and operational flexibility across diverse battlefield environments.
The vehicle weighs approximately 25–26 tonnes and is powered by a 600-horsepower engine. It can reach road speeds of up to 100 km/h and offers an operational road range of approximately 500 kilometres.
Its configurable protection package can meet STANAG 4569 Level III and Level IV standards, depending on the selected configuration, enhancing crew and passenger survivability against battlefield threats.
The Moroccan variant displayed at the exhibition features Elbit Systems’ UT30MK2 remotely operated turret. The system enhances the vehicle’s firepower while allowing operators to engage targets from within the protected hull.
TASL Highlights Its Wider Defence Portfolio
Beyond the WhAP, TASL is promoting several other defence systems at the exhibition.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a major indigenous artillery programme, is designed to engage targets at ranges exceeding 40 kilometres. In March 2025, India signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore for 307 ATAGS guns, reflecting the country’s continued investment in domestic artillery capabilities.
The company is also displaying the Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV) 4×4, weighing approximately eight tonnes and designed for a range of protected mobility missions.
Its Sky-I unmanned aerial platform is another highlight. With an endurance of up to two hours, the system is intended to support tactical surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Together, these platforms demonstrate TASL’s focus on expanding its portfolio across armoured vehicles, artillery, and unmanned systems for domestic and international customers.
Supporting India’s Global Defence Export Strategy
TASL intends to develop its Moroccan operations into a regional defence equipment sourcing and manufacturing hub, supporting its broader “Make for the World” strategy. Overseas production can help Indian defence manufacturers improve market access, increase local participation, and strengthen export competitiveness.
The initiative also reflects a wider trend among Indian defence companies seeking international industrial partnerships and manufacturing bases to serve overseas customers more effectively.
With nearly 200 companies from 27 countries participating in the eighth Marrakech Air Show, the event provides an important platform for showcasing emerging aerospace and defence technologies, building partnerships, and exploring international procurement opportunities.
TASL’s participation underscores the growing international reach of India’s private-sector defence industry and the increasing role of overseas manufacturing partnerships in expanding its global presence.
