New Delhi / Morocco – India’s Wheeled Armored Platform (WhAP) armored vehicles have officially surpassed China’s Type-08 armored vehicle in testing. India’s Wheeled Armored Platform armored vehicles are manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This announcement was made in tough tests conducted by the Moroccan Army. This performance led to an unprecedented partnership between India and Morocco, which was a significant moment for Indian defense exports. According to media reports, TASL had signed a contract with Morocco’s National Defense Administration. Which has made it one of India’s largest global defense deals. Under this three-year agreement, Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM) in Casablanca will produce 100 WhAP annually. Which will lead to a substantial increase in local employment with 90 direct and 250 indirect jobs. This collaboration marks a strategic shift for Morocco. The country is trying to reduce its dependence on major arms suppliers like the US. And its defense budget, which is estimated at $12.2 billion for 2024, focuses on building a more self-reliant defense infrastructure. Morocco has also approved two dedicated zones for military production, showing its strong commitment to strengthening its domestic defense sector. Meanwhile, India’s role in African defense is growing.
This production initiative also aims to increase indigenous content in Morocco’s WHAP to 50 percent, demonstrating Morocco’s commitment to growing its own defense industry. TASL CEO Sukaran Singh said, “This contract is an important milestone for us as we continue to expand into global markets. Designed to tackle rugged terrain and equipped with amphibious and anti-mine capabilities, the WHAP is an extremely versatile vehicle that the Indian Army already relies on for a variety of missions.”
