Morocco will jointly produce combat vehicles with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a subsidiary of the international Tata group.
The partnership between Morocco and Tata focuses on the local manufacturing of the WhAP 8×8 combat vehicle, which will be produced at a new factory called Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM).
This initiative is a direct result of the directives of King Mohammed VI, who, as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), strives to modernize and strengthen the operational capabilities of the army. The project highlights Morocco’s quest for greater national autonomy and sovereignty over defense equipment.
According to the National Defense Administration, this project strengthens the historic ties between Morocco and India, which are increasingly cooperating in defense matters. Both countries are emerging economies and want to further expand their strategic cooperation in this sector.
The investment agreement was signed by the Ministers of Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry and Investment, in the presence of representatives of the General Staff of the FAR and the Moroccan Investment and Export Organization (AMDIE). Production will be intended for both the local market and export, and aims to make Morocco a regional center for the production of defense equipment.
The collaboration between Moroccan defense and TASL is part of the country’s broader ambitions to develop the defense industry and thus gradually acquire strategic autonomy. The factory will source raw materials locally, support the Moroccan industrial ecosystem and create new jobs.
Tata Advanced Systems, already known worldwide for its expertise in defense systems, is one of the first international players to invest in the Moroccan defense industry. This project, which must be completed within 36 months, is expected to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, with a local integration rate increasing from 35% to 50%.
RT/SF/ac/APA
