SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to make a bold statement at the LAAD 2025 Defence and Security Expo, scheduled for April 1-4, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among its showcased innovations, the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 will take center stage, signaling India’s ambition to penetrate the Latin American (LATAM) armored vehicle market.
This move comes on the heels of a significant international breakthrough, with the Royal Moroccan Army placing substantial orders for the WhAP 8×8, to be executed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key private-sector partner of DRDO. As India emerges as a new player in the global armored market, its focus on LATAM reflects a strategic push to expand its defense export footprint.
The WhAP 8×8, an amphibious infantry combat vehicle jointly developed by DRDO and TASL, is a versatile, modular platform designed for modern warfare. With its 8×8 wheeled configuration, the vehicle offers exceptional mobility across diverse terrains, robust survivability, and adaptability for multiple roles—ranging from troop transport to mounting advanced weapon systems like 30mm cannons or anti-tank missiles. Its proven performance in rigorous trials, including those conducted in Morocco’s challenging desert and mountainous landscapes, has positioned it as a reliable and cost-effective solution for militaries worldwide.
India’s success in securing a contract with Morocco—comprising an initial order of 150 units and potential for up to 400 more—marks a milestone in its defense export journey. The deal, signed in September 2024, includes local production in Casablanca, Morocco, with a facility capable of producing 100 units annually. This collaboration not only strengthens Morocco’s defense capabilities but also establishes a foothold for India in the African market, showcasing its ability to deliver technology transfer and foster industrial partnerships. Building on this momentum, DRDO now aims to replicate this success in LATAM, a region with growing defense needs and an appetite for affordable, proven military hardware.
The LAAD 2025 expo, one of Latin America’s premier defense exhibitions, provides the perfect platform for DRDO to demonstrate the WhAP 8×8’s capabilities to regional military delegations, industry leaders, and policymakers. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, which are modernizing their armed forces, represent untapped opportunities for India’s defense industry. The WhAP’s amphibious features, all-terrain performance, and modular design align well with the diverse operational requirements of LATAM nations, from jungle and coastal operations to urban security missions.
India’s entry into the LATAM armored market is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a credible global defense supplier. Historically a major importer of military equipment, India has shifted gears under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, emphasizing indigenous design and manufacturing. The WhAP 8×8 exemplifies this shift, combining DRDO’s research expertise with TASL’s industrial prowess. With the Indian Army already inducting variants like the Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV) and paramilitary forces deploying it in conflict zones like Kashmir, the platform’s reliability is battle-tested and ready for export.
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