India's first defence manufacturing plant in Africa stands at Berrechid in Morocco and builds the WhAP 8x8

Background

Tata Advanced Systems' plant at Berrechid near Casablanca in Morocco is described as the first Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa. It builds the Wheeled Armoured Platform 8x8, a wheeled armoured personnel carrier, under a contract with the Moroccan government. The facility covers 20,000 square metres. It was inaugurated on 23 September 2025 by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi. The plant became operational three months ahead of schedule. Abdeltif Loudyi continues as Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the National Defence Administration in the Moroccan government appointed on 16 October 2026.