Rajnath Singh Launches Tata’s First Defense Factory in Africa
Rajnath Singh launches Tata’s first defense factory in Morocco, boosting India’s global defense reach.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi, inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in Berrechid, Morocco. Spanning 20,000 square meters, this plant represents a historic milestone: India's inaugural private-sector defense manufacturing outpost in Africa and Morocco's largest such installation.
The facility, operational three months ahead of schedule, has already commenced production of the advanced Wheeled Armoured Platform 8x8 (WhAP 8x8), with initial deliveries to the Royal Moroccan Army slated for next month under a key government contract.
The WhAP 8x8, a cutting-edge modular combat vehicle co-developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), exemplifies India's prowess in indigenous innovation. Featuring superior mobility across diverse terrains, enhanced ballistic and mine protection, and adaptable mission systems—including reconnaissance, troop transport, and command variants—the platform is engineered for modern warfare demands.
TASL's CEO and Managing Director, Sukaran Singh, emphasized, "As the first overseas manufacturing facility by a private Indian defence OEM, it marks our strategic initiative to offer designed-in-India defense technology systems to friendly countries, especially in Africa."
In his keynote address, Singh articulated India's evolving defense philosophy, transcending mere domestic self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) to foster global partnerships. "For India, self-reliance does not mean isolation; rather, we aim to develop strategic autonomy while maintaining engagement with global partners," he stated. He spotlighted the "Make in India," "Make with Friends," and "Make for the World" triad, positioning the Moroccan venture as a prime exemplar.
The project not only fortifies India-Morocco ties—rooted in defense cooperation since 2017—but also catalyzes economic ripple effects, generating direct and indirect jobs, nurturing a local supplier network, and embedding in-country maintenance capabilities.
Also Read: Telangana Factory Chaos: Migrant Workers Stone Police in Compensation Protest
This inauguration caps Singh's two-day visit to Morocco, underscoring bilateral commitments to counter-terrorism, military exchanges, and joint exercises. For TASL, the plant extends beyond Moroccan needs, eyeing exports to African allies and beyond, leveraging Morocco's strategic North African gateway.
As India eyes a $5 billion defense export target by 2025, this facility signals a bold foray into international manufacturing, blending technological export with ecosystem building—training Moroccan engineers, integrating local ancillary firms for subsystems like optics and electronics, and ensuring sustained product support.
The venture's swift execution— from contract award to production in under two years—highlights efficient Indo-Moroccan collaboration, potentially paving the way for future joint ventures in aerospace and maritime domains. In a region marked by geopolitical flux, this plant not only enhances Morocco's armored capabilities but also positions India as a reliable defense innovator, bridging South-South partnerships for mutual security and prosperity.
Also Read: CRPF to Get 200 Advanced Sniper Rifles Under India-UAE Defense Deal
