The Kingdom of Morocco has officially opened a state-of-the-art armored vehicle factory in Berrechid, marking a significant step in its ambition to strengthen technological sovereignty and develop a competitive defense industry in Africa.
The facility is the result of a partnership with Indian conglomerate TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Indian Ministry of Defense.
Located in the Berrechid industrial zone near Casablanca, the TATA Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) plant will specialise in the production of WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles.
These vehicles are intended for the Royal Armed Forces and for export to African markets, where demand for defence equipment is rising rapidly.
“This project reflects Morocco’s commitment to technological sovereignty, local economic development, and regional leadership in defence manufacturing,” officials stated during the inauguration.
The facility is expected to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect positions, while initially incorporating 35% locally sourced components. Authorities plan to gradually increase this proportion to 50% through targeted investments in training Moroccan engineers, technicians, and suppliers.
This approach aims to build a sustainable national defence ecosystem capable of producing high value-added military equipment domestically.
The Berrechid plant complements Morocco’s broader industrial strategy in the defence sector. Similar initiatives include the 2022 partnership with Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems for the production of surveillance and combat drones near Rabat, and collaboration with Belgian group John Cockerill to assemble smart weapon turrets in Kenitra.
These projects highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to technology transfer, local capacity building, and the development of next-generation defence capabilities.
Morocco’s industrial base, already strong in automotive, aeronautics, and electronics, provides a foundation for this ambitious expansion. By moving from reliance on foreign suppliers to domestic production and export, Morocco aims to become a benchmark defence industrial platform in Africa.
The launch of the TASM facility not only strengthens national security but also offers young Moroccan professionals opportunities to train and work in advanced technological fields, positioning the country as a rising industrial hub on the continent.
This initiative demonstrates Morocco’s dual focus on economic growth and military self-reliance, underlining its strategy to assert leadership in Africa’s defence sector.
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