The Royal Armed Forces of Morocco received in the final days of December the first batch of WhAP 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s defense procurement policy. The delivery took place following the start-up of a new industrial plant in the Berrechid region, near Casablanca, where these vehicles are assembled as a result of a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The reception of these first units constitutes the initial phase of an agreement signed at the end of 2024, which provides for the delivery of a total of 150 vehicles over a three-year period. Serial production began in September 2025 and is being carried out under a local co-production scheme, aimed at adapting the platform to the specific operational requirements of the Moroccan Armed Forces and strengthening the country’s industrial autonomy in the defense sector.
The Berrechid plant is one of the central pillars of the program. With an approximate area of 20,000 square meters, it is the largest facility dedicated to weapons manufacturing in Morocco. The factory reached full operational capacity in September 2025, three months ahead of the original schedule. Its inauguration was attended by India’s Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, and his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelatif Loudyi, who highlighted the project’s impact on the training of technical personnel and the consolidation of a local supplier network.
According to available data, nearly one third of the WhAP 8×8 components are currently produced in Morocco. Authorities and the company plan to increase this percentage to 50% in the next stages of manufacturing. This approach seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system, facilitating maintenance and support tasks throughout the vehicle’s entire life cycle from within Moroccan territory. In this context, the creation of the subsidiary “Tata Advanced Systems Morocco” positions the country as a potential regional hub for the production and distribution of the WhAP 8×8 in Africa.
Characteristics of the WhAP 8×8
The WhAP 8×8 was conceived as a modular combat vehicle, balancing protection, firepower, and mobility. It is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine delivering 600 horsepower, located on the front left side of the hull to optimize the power-to-weight ratio. The propulsion system is complemented by an automatic transmission, an integrated retarder, and a cooling system with hydraulic motors, as well as solutions aimed at reducing the thermal signature through the dilution of exhaust gases.
In terms of mobility, the armored vehicle features eight-wheel drive and double-wishbone hydropneumatic suspension. It has a high-speed mode for road movement and a low-speed mode for rough terrain. The first two steering axles provide a turning radius of approximately 19 meters, improving maneuverability in urban environments and mountainous areas. For amphibious operations, the WhAP 8×8 incorporates two rear waterjets that allow it to reach up to 10 km/h in the water, while on roads it can exceed 100 km/h. The central tire inflation system (CTIS) and run-flat wheels ensure continued mobility in the event of pressure loss.
In terms of protection, the vehicle complies with NATO STANAG 4569, offering modular ballistic protection levels from Level 1 to Level 4, capable of withstanding armor-piercing ammunition up to 14.5 mm. Mine protection is based on a V-shaped hull and a reinforced floor, designed to deflect blast energy. The interior includes blast-attenuating seats suspended from the roof and a troop compartment configured for six to eight personnel, with individual periscopes and firing ports.
Modularity is one of the main attributes of the WhAP 8×8. The platform can be configured as an armored personnel carrier, command and control post, or combat support vehicle. It also supports the integration of remote weapon stations or manned turrets, with options ranging from 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns to 30 mm automatic cannons. According to recent information, Morocco and TASL are also working on variants armed with 105 mm and 120 mm guns, intended for direct fire support missions. In addition, a medical variant for evacuation and surgical support in the operational field is planned.
The selection of the WhAP 8×8 was consolidated after comparative trials carried out in Morocco in 2022, where the platform reportedly outperformed other international competitors, including the Chinese-made Type-08. These trials supported the decision to adopt the Indian model as the progressive replacement for older French-origin armored vehicles in service with the Moroccan Army.
Other acquisitions
The incorporation of the locally manufactured WhAP 8×8 vehicles is part of a broader process of modernization of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco. In November 2025, the Kingdom confirmed the acquisition of ten Airbus H225M helicopters for the Royal Moroccan Air Force, intended to replace the SA 330L Puma and primarily oriented toward search and rescue (SAR) and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.
More recently, various open sources and satellite records indicated the possible entry into service of Barak MX air defense systems of Israeli origin, although there has so far been no official confirmation from Moroccan authorities. Taken together, these acquisitions reflect a sustained strategy aimed at updating military capabilities and diversifying suppliers, with a growing emphasis on local production and the development of indigenous industrial capacities.
*Images for illustrative purposes.
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