L’Administration de la Défense Nationale (ADN) du Maroc a récemment annoncé un partenariat stratégique avec Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), une filiale du conglomérat indien Tata Group. The aim of this partnership is the local production of the Whap 8 × 8 land combat vehicle, in a new factory called Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM). This project promises to strengthen Morocco’s industrial capacities in the defense sector while solidifying historical relations between Morocco and India.
In an official press release, DNA said that the signed investment agreement includes financial, tax and customs incentives. The signature was carried out in the presence of several ministers representing the departments of Defense, the Interior, Finance, and Industry, testifying to the strategic importance of this initiative. The agreement was also supported by representatives of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE).
This partnership meets a double requirement: meet the growing demand for military equipment locally and prepare export to other external markets. DNA stresses that this initiative is part of a broader vision of development of a regional pole for the production of defense equipment, while promoting the ties of South-South cooperation between Morocco and other emerging countries.
La mise en place de cette usine à TASM place le Maroc en position de devenir un acteur clé dans l’industrie de la défense en Afrique, offrant ainsi de nouvelles opportunités pour les investisseurs. Indeed, this project is not limited to meeting national needs; It also aims to position Morocco as a regional hub in the defense sector, thus attracting foreign investments and supporting the development of the local industrial ecosystem.
The launching calendar of this project is ambitious, with a first production expected within thirty-six months. The agreement provides for an initial local integration rate of 35 %, with an objective of reaching 50 % in the long term. This project should also create around 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, thus contributing to the creation of jobs and the country’s economic development.
The 8 × 8 Whap, also known as Kestrel, is a wheel -armored vehicle developed by Tata, DRDO and Supacat. Conçu pour des missions polyvalentes, le WhAP 8×8 peut être configuré pour différentes fonctions, notamment comme véhicule de transport de troupes, véhicule de combat d’infanterie, ou encore pour des missions de reconnaissance. It was revealed for the first time during the 2014 Defexpo in New Delhi.
The vehicle is propelled by a cummini diesel engine ISX 600 Turbo, capable of reaching speeds up to 110 km/h. Son système de suspension à double triangulation et hydropneumatique lui confère d’excellentes capacités tout-terrain, lui permettant de naviguer sur divers types de terrains, y compris en conditions difficiles.
In addition, the 8 × 8 Whap is designed for amphibious operations, equipped with devices such as splashing plates and propellants, which makes it capable of crossing shallow waters. Advanced optical systems, including latest generation thermal cameras, allow the shooter and the commander to have a clear view of operations, even in low visibility conditions.
