Tata Hands Over First Batch of Indigenous WhAP 8x8 Vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army

India’s expanding footprint in global defence manufacturing marked a major milestone on Wednesday as Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) handed over the first lot of Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8 armoured combat vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, signalling a significant step forward in India–Morocco defence cooperation.

The development was announced by TASL through a post on X, where the company termed the delivery a “proud milestone” and emphasised that the vehicles are “Made in Morocco”, reflecting the programme’s focus on local manufacturing and technology transfer. The handover marks the first overseas delivery of India’s indigenous WhAP platform and the execution phase of the largest export contract for Indian-made armoured vehicles.

Indigenous WhAP Platform Enters Global Market

The WhAP 8x8 is an indigenously designed and developed armoured vehicle, jointly created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems. The platform has been positioned as a flagship example of Indian defence innovation and is being actively promoted for international military requirements.

DRDO has previously showcased the vehicle’s performance across diverse operational environments, including high-altitude trials in Ladakh, desert trials, and amphibious capability demonstrations. In a social media update earlier this year, DRDO said the WhAP was “ready to take Indian defence innovation to the global stage”, highlighting its versatility and combat readiness.

Defence Manufacturing Facility in Morocco Operational

The momentum behind the WhAP programme was further strengthened in September with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco. The facility was jointly inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of National Defence Administration, Abdelatif Loudyi.

Spread over 20,000 square metres, the Berrechid plant has been established exclusively to manufacture WhAP 8x8 vehicles for the Royal Moroccan Army. Defence officials said TASL will produce 150 Wheeled Armoured Platform combat vehicles under the contract, with deliveries scheduled to be completed within three years.

The deal is being described as the largest-ever contract for Indian armoured vehicles, both domestically and internationally, and a landmark achievement for India’s private defence industry.

‘Make in India’, ‘Make with Friends’ Vision

Calling the inauguration of the Berrechid facility a historic moment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the project reflected India’s evolving approach to defence self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

“For India, self-reliance does not mean isolation,” Singh said. “Along with ‘Make in India’, we are also pursuing ‘Make with Friends’ and ‘Make for the World’. This facility in Morocco is a shining example of that philosophy.”

Singh also noted that the plant became operational three months ahead of schedule, making it the first defence manufacturing facility established in Africa by an Indian private company. He said the project would create significant defence-related employment and help build a local ecosystem of engineers, technicians and suppliers.

According to the Ministry of Defence, around one-third of the components and sub-systems will be sourced and assembled locally in the initial phase, with local value addition rising to nearly 50 per cent in the coming years.

Advanced Capabilities and Multi-Role Design

The WhAP 8x8 is a modern, modular wheeled combat vehicle designed for high mobility, enhanced protection and mission adaptability. It features a survivable monocoque hull, scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, a central tyre inflation system, and a high-power engine optimised for off-road performance.

The platform can be configured for multiple operational roles, including infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, command post, mortar carrier, and battlefield ambulance. It also supports manned and unmanned weapon stations and can be integrated with anti-tank guided missile systems.

DRDO has described the WhAP as an amphibious wheeled armoured vehicle with a common platform architecture capable of fulfilling roles such as 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, 120 mm Mortar Carrier, CBRN vehicle, and other specialised variants. The organisation has highlighted the vehicle’s excellent mobility, protection and firepower, including its ability to operate in muddy and slushy terrain and withstand mine blasts.

Growing Operational Footprint

Variants of the WhAP are available with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS). In addition, a paramilitary version of the WhAP 8x8 with amphibious capabilities has already been inducted into India’s paramilitary forces, underscoring the platform’s operational versatility.

With the first overseas deliveries now completed and a full-scale manufacturing ecosystem taking shape in Morocco, defence analysts view the WhAP programme as a template for future Indian defence exports and a key step in positioning India as a reliable global supplier of advanced military platforms.