Tata Advanced Systems Delivers Initial Batch of WhAP 8x8 Vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has handed over the first batch of WhAP 8x8 armoured vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army.  

The delivery marks the initial supply under an arrangement to manufacture the vehicles locally in Morocco. 

Berrechid Plant Begins Output 

The vehicles are being produced at TASL’s defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco.  

The plant covers about 20,000 square metres and was inaugurated in September by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Abdelatif Loudyi.  

The facility has been set up to meet the Royal Moroccan Army’s requirements, with further deliveries planned. 

Development of the WhAP Platform 

The WhAP 8x8 has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems.  

It is a wheeled armoured platform designed and developed in India. DRDO has described the vehicle as a common platform that can be adapted for multiple military roles. 

Trials Across Terrains 

Before being offered for overseas deployment, the WhAP underwent trials in varied operating conditions. These included desert testing as well as high-altitude trials in Ladakh. DRDO has also demonstrated the vehicle’s amphibious capability. Trial visuals released earlier showed the platform fitted with a remote-controlled weapon system. 

Design and Protection Features 

According to DRDO, the vehicle is built with a monocoque hull offering scalable ballistic and mine protection. It is equipped with independent suspension, a central tyre inflation system and a high-power engine. The platform is to operate in muddy and slushy terrain and to withstand mine blasts. 

Operational Roles 

The WhAP can be configured for several operational uses. These include armoured personnel carrier, infantry combat vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, command post, ambulance and mortar carrier roles. DRDO has also listed specialised variants such as CBRN response vehicles, along with 30 mm infantry combat and 120 mm mortar carrier versions. 

Weapon Configurations 

As per the reports, the platform supports both manned and unmanned weapon stations. Remote-controlled weapon systems can be fitted with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm guns. The design also allows integration of anti-tank guided missile systems, depending on operational needs. 

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Conclusion 

The handover of the first WhAP 8x8 vehicles marks the start of supplies from the Morocco-based production line, following platform development and testing carried out in India. 

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