365Telugu.com online news, Mumbai, 30th September ,2024: In a significant move for both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Indian defence sector, the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at the local production of the TASL Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 in Casablanca, Morocco. This marks Morocco’s first large-scale defence manufacturing plant and the inaugural defence manufacturing facility established by an Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) outside India.
The collaboration will see TASL’s local unit in Morocco undertake the final assembly and integration of the specialised vehicle systems, with production expected to be operational within the next 12 months. This initiative not only aims to fulfill the immediate requirements of the Royal Moroccan Army but also sets the stage for potential exports to other African nations.
The TASL Wheeled Armoured Platform 8×8 has been developed in conjunction with Tata Motors and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), exemplifying the effective partnership between India’s private sector and government. The platform will consist of significant components exported from India, while also ensuring local employment and value addition in Morocco.
Covering an area of 20,000 sq. meters in Casablanca, the production facility will be a fully owned subsidiary of Tata Advanced Systems, positioned to serve as an export hub for various countries, particularly in Africa.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi, Honourable Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defence Administration, remarked, “This partnership with Tata Advanced Systems marks a new era in the development of our defence industry. It is a strategic step that will not only contribute to our national self-reliance but also enhance our capacity to scale up our defence industry swiftly and reliably. We are committed to creating a robust industrial ecosystem that drives economic growth and delivers tangible benefits to our investors and industry partners, similar to the successful model of the automobile industry.”
Mr. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TASL, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “This contract is significant and strategically important for us. It not only enables TASL to help initiate Morocco’s defence ecosystem but also acts as a launch point for TASL into the rest of Africa for select defence systems. We appreciate the progressive and industry-friendly policies of the Kingdom of Morocco that made it feasible for TASL to enter into this landmark production and supply agreement.”
Tata Advanced Systems will collaborate closely with the Moroccan government to establish a strong ecosystem that involves local supply chain partners, workforce training and skill development, and the maintenance of systems within the country. The facility will adhere to global standards in line with international best practices.
The TASL platform 8×8 features state-of-the-art technologies, including a high-power integrated power pack with automatic transmission, designed with modularity and scalability to cater to the diverse operational needs of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.