SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Morocco’s military modernisation ambitions have taken a bold leap forward, with confirmation that the Royal Moroccan Army is set to equip its locally manufactured Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 vehicles with formidable 105mm and 120mm combat turrets. The news, first broken by idrw.org, has now been substantiated, spotlighting a significant enhancement to the WhAP, originally supplied by India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
Adding intrigue to the development, industry sources point to Israel’s Elbit Systems as the likely developer and manufacturer of these heavy-calibre turrets, custom-built to meet Morocco’s unique operational demands.
The Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) initially reported in early 2025 that Morocco was planning to arm its WhAP 8×8 fleet—produced under a landmark Indo-Moroccan deal—with turrets boasting 105mm and 120mm guns. This revelation highlighted a shift from the vehicle’s standard configuration, typically equipped with lighter armaments like 30mm cannons or missile launchers. The confirmation of this plan underscores Morocco’s intent to transform the WhAP into a versatile, high-firepower platform, capable of engaging a wide spectrum of threats, from armoured vehicles to fortified positions.
The WhAP 8×8, a product of collaboration between TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), secured its foothold in Morocco through a September 2024 agreement. This deal established Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) in Casablanca, tasked with producing an initial batch of 150 vehicles, with plans to scale up to 100 units annually over three years. The vehicle’s success in outclassing China’s Type-08 during trials showcased its ruggedness and adaptability, but the addition of 105mm and 120mm turrets elevates its role far beyond that of a traditional armoured personnel carrier.
While the WhAP’s chassis and base design hail from India, the Royal Moroccan Army has turned to Elbit Systems—an Israeli defence powerhouse—for the critical task of arming these vehicles as per Moroccan Media. Elbit, already entrenched in Morocco’s defence ecosystem through a recent $370 million deal for Atmos 2000 howitzers, is reportedly poised to develop and manufacture these combat turrets. Whether Morocco opts for the 105mm or the heavier 120mm calibre, Elbit’s expertise in turret systems—evidenced by platforms like the Sabrah light tank—ensures a bespoke solution tailored to the kingdom’s needs.
The integration of 105mm and 120mm turrets marks a dramatic evolution for the WhAP 8×8. These calibres, typically reserved for main battle tanks or mobile gun systems, will endow the vehicle with tank-like firepower while retaining its wheeled mobility—a rare combination in modern armoured fleets. This upgrade positions the WhAP as a hybrid asset, capable of supporting infantry, conducting direct-fire missions, and countering armoured threats across Morocco’s diverse terrains, from the Atlas Mountains to the Western Sahara.
To accommodate such heavy armament, the WhAP’s design may require enhancements—reinforced suspension, upgraded recoil management, and advanced fire control systems—all areas where Elbit’s technical prowess will be critical. The vehicle’s modularity, a hallmark of its DRDO-TASL origins, provides the flexibility needed for this transformation, ensuring it remains amphibious and agile despite the added weight.
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