SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Royal Moroccan Army has placed an order for 150 units of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8×8), a cutting-edge armored vehicle developed through a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This deal marks a significant achievement in India’s defense exports, underscoring the growing international recognition of indigenous Indian defense technologies.
New details have emerged, revealing that the foundation for this substantial contract was laid as early as 2022, when Tata Advanced Systems shipped a WhAP 8×8 vehicle to Morocco for trials, entirely at their own expense. The vehicle, which was manufactured at Tata’s facility in Pune, was transported via Mumbai port to Morocco, accompanied by a small team of Tata personnel to facilitate the trials and provide technical support.
The trials took place over 3-4 months, during which the WhAP 8×8 was tested extensively across Morocco’s varied terrain. Morocco’s topography is diverse, with mountainous northern regions and an interior that lies at a high elevation, averaging about 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level. The WhAP 8×8 demonstrated its versatility and durability through cross-country trials, successfully navigating the country’s challenging environments.
After the completion of trials, the Royal Moroccan Army submitted its report to the country’s defense ministry, praising the platform’s performance. This paved the way for the recent contract for 150 units.
The WhAP 8×8 is an Indian-designed, multi-role armoured platform developed for a variety of combat and peacekeeping missions. It offers exceptional mobility, protection, and firepower, capable of being outfitted for specific missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and fire support. The platform’s 8×8 configuration provides excellent cross-country mobility, making it highly suitable for Morocco’s diverse and rugged terrain.
The current order for 150 units is just the beginning of a larger collaboration between Morocco and Tata Advanced Systems. According to reports from idrw.org, the Royal Moroccan Army may purchase an additional 400 units in the future, as part of a longer-term plan to modernize its fleet of armored vehicles.
Significantly, these additional units will likely involve local production in Morocco, with 50% local content as per the terms agreed upon between the Moroccan government and Tata. This local production initiative not only strengthens defense ties between the two nations but also fosters technological transfer and builds local industrial capability in Morocco.
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