Morocco attracts a new Indian defense factory to produce ballistic shields, helmets and electro-optical sensors
Indian defense company MKU plans to establish a factory in Morocco to produce body armor, ballistic helmets, and electro-optical sensors. The facility will also serve as an export hub for the rest of Africa.
MKU stated that the facility will be located in the SGZID area of Nouaceur, south of Casablanca. The company did not disclose the factory's size, investment size, number of jobs it will create, or the production start date, stating that these details will be announced later.
The factory will produce products from MKU's two main product lines. Netro Optronics specializes in manufacturing multi-sensor electro-optical systems used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition, while Kavro Protection encompasses body armor, ballistic helmets, protective shields, and armor kits for vehicles and other platforms. MKU did not specify which products will be manufactured in Morocco or the percentage of components sourced locally.
The company already has a history of collaboration with the Moroccan Armed Forces. Over the past five years, MKU has supplied the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with electro-optical systems and personal protective equipment. The company stated that local production will reduce delivery times, facilitate product adaptation to evolving requirements, and provide after-sales services within Morocco.
MKU also explained that the factory will train Moroccan engineers and technicians, transferring production expertise and knowledge to local personnel.
"Five years of working with Morocco have demonstrated the strength of its institutions and the competence of its people," said Karan Gupta, MKU's Vice President of International Sales. "This factory transforms that relationship into a long-term commitment and will be a cornerstone of our international growth strategy."
MKU reports that its equipment is used by more than 230 forces in over 100 countries. The company also operates manufacturing and operations facilities in India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to a European research center in Germany. According to the company, products manufactured in Morocco will be available to forces across Africa and Europe.
MKU will become the second Indian defense company to establish a production facility in Morocco. Tata Advanced Systems opened a factory in Berrechid, near Casablanca, in September 2025 to produce the Indian-made WhAP 8x8 armored fighting vehicle, marking the first overseas defense plant for a private Indian company. Earlier this year, the Moroccan army received its first locally produced WhAP vehicles from this plant.
Morocco is working to develop a domestic defense industry and reduce its reliance on imports, including through legislation that allows foreign companies to manufacture weapons and military equipment within the kingdom under government licenses.
Nouaceur, home to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, already boasts a cluster of companies operating in the aerospace industry, making the region an attractive environment for further defense and industrial investment.