After ‘self -sufficient India’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Make for the World’ is beginning to come true. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first military vehicle plant of Tata Company in North African country Morocco on Tuesday (September 23, 2025). This is India’s first weapon plant in another country.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh clearly said, “Self-reliance for India does not mean isolation, but to develop strategic freedom that can protect your nation independently and at the same time maintain connectivity with global colleagues.”
Big step for India’s defense industry: Rajnath
Rajnath Singh described the establishment of Defense Manufacturing Facility of Tata Advance System Limited (TASL) in Casablanca, Morocco as a historic moment. He said, ‘This is not only for the company, but for the entire Indian Defense Industry.’ Tasl is the subsidiary of Tata Sons. During the ceremony, Moroccan Defense Minister Abdeltif Lodiyi was also present.
APC There will be 12 soldiers seating ability
Spread in about 20 thousand square meters, this facility will manufacture the Advance Armard Combat Vehicle (APC), which is also known as WHAP. The whap vehicle has been prepared by Tata in association with Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). This military vehicle of about 26 tons has a seating capacity of a total of 12 soldiers, including the driver and commander. In the border and bumpy areas of far-flung areas, soldiers can move very fast in these trains.
Atgm And 30-40 mm Will be equipped with gun Whap
The special thing is that whap is an antibius vehicle, which can easily cross the river drains. These trains can also be used in the desert. Due to being used in Morocco, these whap vehicles have had to undergo tough tests in the desert of Africa.
These armored vehicles do not affect the bullet or ammunition. The whap has a gun of 30-40 mm and can be equipped with ATGM i.e. anti-tank guided missile. The troupe commander can firing on the enemy from the roof of the vehicle through a special tart.
This plant will prove beneficial for India and Morocco- Rajnath
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, ‘This plant is also a bridge between the region and the global market. Because Morocco is recognized as a natural link between the Gateway-to-Africa and Europe, the Middle East and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Defense Minister said, “On the other hand, India has emerged as a trusted partner of an emerging hub of innovation and global South with its growing industrial and technology base. Therefore, this plant will be beneficial for both countries.
,Make in India, With ,Make with friends, But also doing work- Rajnath
He said, ‘We are also working on’ Make in India ‘in India on’ Make with Friends ‘, under which we will develop and produce cutting-edge technology in collaboration with trusted partners and eventually the benefit of our innovation under Make for the World will be shared with the whole world.’
In September 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Morocco signed an agreement with TASL to make whap armored vehicles. The whap vehicle has been prepared by Tata in collaboration with Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Indian Army on border with China Whap Use it
The Indian Army uses these whap vehicles for the movement of soldiers at an altitude of 17 thousand feet in East Ladakh, already bordering China. Apart from this, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is also using these special vehicles against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the agreement, construction of vehicles was to start from TASL plant within 18 months, but the company has started production three months ago .. 100 whap vehicles can be constructed every year from this plant. After that it is believed that these vehicles will be exported to other countries of Africa from the plant.
Rajnath Singh is on Morocco on a two-day visit on 22-23 September. This is the Indian Defense Minister’s first visit to the North African country, which outlines the growing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
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