Gen. Mohammed Berrid, inspector general of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and commander of the Southern Zone, visited the Tata Advanced Systems defense manufacturing plant in Berrechid, underscoring the growing defense partnership between Morocco and India.
In a post on X, Tata Advanced Systems said the visit reflects the strengthening strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and building a robust industrial ecosystem.
The company said its operations in Morocco bring advanced manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise and international experience while contributing to the development of local industrial capacity and specialized workforce training.
The Berrechid facility, known as Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM), was inaugurated in September 2025 by Morocco’s National Defense Administration, India’s Ministry of Defence and Tata Advanced Systems.
The plant was established under an investment agreement signed in September 2024 and is intended to strengthen Morocco’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Located in Berrechid’s industrial zone, the factory produces WhAP 8×8 armored fighting vehicles for the Royal Armed Forces and international markets with strong growth potential.
Morocco’s National Defense Administration has described the project as part of a broader strategy launched under royal directives to gradually increase the country’s industrial and technological self-sufficiency in the defense sector while supporting innovation and creating skilled jobs.
At launch, the factory planned to source 35% of its components locally, with the goal of increasing local integration to 50% through investments in supplier development and workforce training.
The project is expected to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs while serving as a regional export platform for WhAP 8×8 armored vehicles, particularly for African markets.
India’s ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, previously said Rabat and New Delhi are engaged in advanced discussions to expand defense cooperation beyond armored vehicle production. According to Rana, the talks include a joint project to manufacture a complete aircraft in Morocco, alongside broader Indian investments in pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and renewable energy.
He also said the two countries see significant potential to deepen trade and tourism ties, including the possibility of negotiating a future free trade agreement and launching direct flights to facilitate tourism and investment.
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