Morocco and India Open a New Combat Armored Vehicles Factory in Berrechid
Express TV: Mustafa Filali
Today, Tuesday, the city of Berrechid witnessed the inauguration of the “Tata Advanced Systems Morocco” (TASM) factory, a result of strategic cooperation between the Moroccan National Defense Administration, the Indian Ministry of Defense, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. This aligns with the high directives of King Mohammed VI, the Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
A statement from the National Defense Administration explained that this structured industrial project, for which the investment agreement was signed in September 2024, aims to bolster national defense capabilities and enhance Morocco’s position as a regional hub in advanced defense industries.
The new factory, located in the Berrechid industrial zone, will produce the WhAP 8×8 combat armored vehicles for the Royal Armed Forces and promising international markets. This project reflects an advanced vision aimed at achieving gradual self-sufficiency in defense and technology industries while stimulating an industrial innovation system and creating high-skilled job opportunities.
The factory will initially incorporate 35% of local components, with plans to gradually increase this percentage to 50% through the integration of national suppliers and investment in training and qualification. It is also expected to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect positions, with plans to expand production capacity in the medium term.
Equipped with modern facilities, the Berrechid factory will serve as a platform for exporting vehicles to Africa and other markets, in line with the royal vision aimed at developing an independent national defense industry and enhancing South-South cooperation.
The statement affirmed that TASM, as one of the leading global players in the defense industries, is leveraging its expertise and international network for this project, ensuring knowledge transfer and the development of Moroccan skills in manufacturing, maintenance, and innovation.
