Morocco and India have taken a historic step in their fast-deepening partnership following the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM), a defense manufacturing facility that is located in Berrechid.
The plant was officially opened on Tuesday. Additionally, it is India’s first overseas defense manufacturing unit and Morocco’s most ambitious foray into localized defense production.
Project Factsheet
Name: Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM)
Partnership: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) (India) and Morocco’s National Defense Administration (Royal Armed Forces – FAR).
Location: Berrechid, in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco.
Function: Manufacturing and delivery of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 combat vehicles.
Platform details: The WhAP 8×8 is a modern, modular, amphibious armored vehicle jointly developed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can be configured for multiple roles (IFV, APC, reconnaissance, command, ambulance, etc.).
Size: The facility is approximately 20,000 square meters and is Morocco’s largest defense
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Administration, jointly presided over the opening ceremony, alongside Moroccan Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour and Tata Advanced Systems CEO Sukaran Singh.
Significance of the Project
For both India and Morocco, this factory is more than an industrial site. It stands as a symbol of strategic convergence, economic opportunity, and geopolitical signaling.
Furthermore, Singh, addressing the inauguration, called the facility “a new chapter in the strategic partnership between India and Morocco.” Additionally, he expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan government for their unwavering support on the venture. Singh described the project as “not merely an investment, but a lasting commitment to innovation and shared development.”
What will the Tata Advanced Systems Maroc Facility Produce
The plant is expected to produce the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 combat vehicles. These combat vehicles are designed by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The vehicles will be made available for Morocco’s Armed Forces (FAR) as well as export markets across Africa.
Initial deliveries to the FAR are scheduled within 18 months. The production of these vehicles will scale up to 100 vehicles annually within three years.
Other Uses for the Facility
Beyond manufacturing purposes, the site will be used as a regional hub for research, design, and defense technology innovation. Also, it will attract Moroccan engineers, provide advanced training, and integrate local suppliers into a high-value industrial ecosystem.
Also, China’s Gotion is expected to set up a battery gigafactory in Morocco. Morocco is emerging as a leading investment hub for many companies globally that seek to expand their businesses into Africa. Development of such projects will generate income for Morocco through job creation hence boosting the economy.
