Morocco and Tata Expand WhAP Armored Vehicle Lineup with Battlefield Upgrades, Including Medical and High-Caliber Cannons

Morocco and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) are strengthening their defense ties with an ambitious plan to develop new battlefield variants of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), an 8x8 armored vehicle known for its adaptability. This collaboration will introduce high-caliber gun-equipped models and a dedicated medical variant, enhancing the vehicle’s capabilities to meet Morocco’s evolving military needs.

The move follows a major agreement in late 2024, under which TASL secured a contract to supply the Royal Moroccan Army with 150 WhAP units. A key aspect of the deal is the establishment of a local production hub in Casablanca, operated by Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM), which aims to increase Moroccan manufacturing content from 35% to 50% over time. The facility is also positioned to serve as an export center for other African nations, marking a significant step in India's expanding defense footprint in the region.

A Battlefield Workhorse with Enhanced Firepower

The WhAP, originally developed in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a highly versatile armored vehicle designed for various battlefield roles. Depending on its configuration, it weighs between 20 and 27 tons and features a modular design that allows for easy adaptation to different mission requirements. The baseline model, which Morocco has already ordered, comes with a 30mm cannon and is fully amphibious, giving it an operational edge in diverse terrains.

Moroccan trials in 2022 demonstrated the WhAP’s superior performance over China’s Type-08 armored vehicle, solidifying its selection. Powered by a 600hp Cummins diesel engine, it offers excellent mobility and protection against small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Advanced active protection systems can be added to enhance its survivability further.

Building on this foundation, Morocco plans to introduce a variant equipped with a 105mm cannon for enhanced direct combat capability. Additionally, a more powerful 120mm cannon version is under consideration, potentially giving the WhAP the ability to engage heavier armored targets—an important capability for modern battlefield scenarios.

The specific source of these cannons has not been officially disclosed, but Morocco’s current armored fleet includes aging Soviet-era T-72B/BK tanks and VT-1A Al Khalid tanks, both equipped with 125mm guns. Given this disparity in calibers and the obsolescence of some of these platforms, Morocco is likely to turn to external suppliers for the WhAP’s new weaponry. Potential candidates include European defense firms like John Cockerill and Indian companies such as DRDO and Bharat Forge, both of which have experience in designing compatible gun systems.

A Battlefield Medical Hub

Alongside firepower upgrades, Morocco is also prioritizing battlefield medical support with a WhAP-based armored ambulance variant. This version will retain the 8x8 chassis for mobility but replace armament with a dedicated medical compartment designed for casualty evacuation and emergency treatment. Equipped with life-saving equipment, this model will provide critical support for frontline operations, further diversifying Morocco’s armored capabilities.

The addition of this medical variant aligns with Morocco’s broader military modernization strategy, which seeks to replace aging French-supplied armored vehicles with more versatile and unified platforms. The Royal Moroccan Army is keen on improving battlefield logistics and personnel survivability, and the introduction of a dedicated medical evacuation platform is a logical step toward that goal.

A Gateway to African Defense Markets

For TASL, the Moroccan WhAP contract marks a strategic entry into the African defense market, with significant long-term potential. The deal, first announced at the Marrakech Air Show 2024, has already drawn interest from other nations in the region. By establishing a local production facility, India not only strengthens its defense industry’s global presence but also enables Morocco to develop its manufacturing base and create new job opportunities.

The success of the WhAP program in Morocco could pave the way for future Indo-Moroccan defense cooperation, including joint development projects and further localized production. With the African continent emerging as a growing market for military equipment, TASL’s Moroccan expansion could serve as a launchpad for wider regional exports.

As Morocco diversifies its defense partnerships and enhances its military capabilities, the WhAP program represents a forward-looking investment in battlefield adaptability, firepower, and operational readiness.