Rajnath Singh & Moroccan trade minister Ryad Mezzour in Rabat
NEW DELHI: A modern defence manufacturing facility for armoured vehicles near Casablanca in Morocco, the first such Indian private sector plant in Africa, was inaugurated by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi Tuesday.The facility, set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, will produce wheeled armoured platforms (WhAP 8×8), which it has jointly designed with DRDO. Equipped with advanced mobility, protection and mission adaptability, the WhAP can be configured as an infantry fighting vehicle; armoured personnel carrier; reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier; and even an ambulance.Singh said India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is not just to manufacture defence platforms and tech for its own needs, but to develop capabilities that allow the country to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world.“For India, self-reliance does not mean isolation. Rather, we aim to develop strategic autonomy. We want to develop capabilities that allow us to defend our nation independently, while maintaining engagement with global partners. Along with ‘Make in India’, we are pursuing ‘Make with Friends’ & ‘Make for World’,” he added.Describing the occasion as “a historic moment” in the evolving bilateral strategic partnership, Singh said Morocco’s strategic location as a gateway to Africa and Europe makes the TASL facility an important hub for exports and collaboration.Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will begin delivering WhAP 8×8 vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army from next month.
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