25.09.2025

INDIA’S FIRST OVERSEAS DEFENCE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Context

India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility was inaugurated at Berrechid, Morocco in 2025 by India’s Defence Minister and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi. The plant, set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with DRDO, will manufacture the indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) for the Royal Moroccan Army.

What It Is

• A 20,000 sq. metre, state-of-the-art defence plant.
   
• Established by TASL (Indian private sector) in partnership with DRDO (public R&D agency).
   
• First-ever overseas defence facility set up by an Indian private company in Africa.
   
• Location: Berrechid, Morocco.
   

Aim

1. Promote India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make with Friends, Make for the World.
    
2. Strengthen India–Morocco defence ties and regional security cooperation.
    
3. Enhance defence exports and project India as a reliable global defence partner.
    

Features

• Production Focus: WhAP 8×8 Modular Combat Platform.
   
• Variants: Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Armoured Personnel Carrier, Reconnaissance Vehicle, Command Post, Mortar Carrier, and Ambulance.
   
• Technology: Advanced mobility, high protection standards, remote weapon stations, and anti-tank guided missile options.
   
• Local Sourcing:
   
  • One-third of components sourced from Morocco initially.
     
  • To rise to 50% localisation in the future.
     

Importance

Strategic:

• Positions Morocco as an export hub for Africa and Europe.
   
• Reinforces India’s role in global South–South defence cooperation.
   

Diplomatic:

• Deepens India–Morocco bilateral ties and showcases India’s defence diplomacy.
   

Economic:

• Generates local employment in Morocco.
   
• Creates a supplier ecosystem and strengthens India’s defence export profile.
   

Conclusion

The defence manufacturing facility in Morocco is a milestone in India’s defence industrial outreach. It not only reflects India’s capacity to build advanced platforms like the WhAP but also underlines the country’s shift from being a major defence importer to an emerging global exporter and collaborator.