Officially, Morocco signs a contract to manufacture 8x8 armored vehicles locally in partnership with India
The news is exclusive, published a short while ago, talking about the signing of an agreement between Morocco and the Indian company TATA to manufacture Indian WhAP 8x8 Kestrel armored vehicles in Morocco.
The news indicates that all signings have been completed in full
The armored vehicles will be intended for the local market as well as for export abroad
We will start with an integration rate of up to 35% and will gradually move to 50%.
The armored vehicle is armed with an Israeli Elbit turret
Defense industry: With the Tata Group, Morocco embarks on the production of combat vehicles
The Department of National Defense and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata International Group, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle, at the plant called TATA Advanced Systems Morocco (TASL).
In implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, aimed at modernizing and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces and thus enhancing the independence and sovereignty of national defense equipment, especially in defense mobility equipment, the National Defense Administration and Tata Advanced Systems have entered into Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the international Tata Group, has entered into a strategic partnership aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle at the plant, Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM).
According to a press release from the Department of National Defense, this project also strengthens historical relations between Morocco and India, two emerging economies whose strategic cooperation in the defense sector is increasing.
The investment agreement, which stipulates a system of financial, tax and customs incentives, was signed by ministers representing the Ministries of National Defence, Interior, Finance, Industry and Investment, in the presence of representatives of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and AMDIE. , identifies the same source.
https://fr.le360.ma/politique/indus...n-de-vehicules-de_HODZ2UIZ6NAEPHK5HR5CJPK53I/
The signing of this investment agreement comes to meet local demand and export to foreign markets, underlines the press release, adding that this echoes the ambition of Morocco and TASL to jointly develop cooperation links South-South and a regional hub for the production of defense mobility equipment. This project places Morocco at the center of attention as a center of defense development and opens promising prospects for investors interested in the defense and high technology sectors, it is added.
https://www.ledesk.ma/2024/09/27/av...ira-le-vehicule-de-combat-terrestre-whap-8x8/
Amphibious vehicle
As a local industry, it is very excellent, with the option to integrate various types of Turrets:
It is very possible that there will be a transfer of UT30MK2 combat turret technology. The relations between Morocco and Elbit in particular did not stop at the transfer of ammunition, missiles and drones technology, and they will not refuse any partnership with Morocco.
Industrial supply sources will be local, starting from 35% to 50% as an initial target
The deal with India's TATA even includes the manufacture of 6X6 military trucks
Thousands of recently acquired TATA trucks with American engines of all types, transport, water and gasoline tankers, support and towing trucks, and others.
Therefore, it will also be manufactured locally..
Thus, Morocco will take an excellent 8x8 platform on which a German or American engine will be installed..They will integrate electronics from another source with a turret from Elbit or Rafael with 30 mm cannon and Spike missiles that are already in Morocco..
As confirmed and official information, Morocco will take from India only the hull, but the engine is American and the electronics, communications systems and turret are Israeli..Hence, the most important aspects of it are Western..
There is a version with a 105 mm turret