Morocco continues to make steady strides in establishing a local defense industry, relying on several allied countries, foremost among them India. Recently, the National Defense Administration signed a strategic partnership with the Indian "TATA" group to manufacture "WhAP 8x8" armored combat vehicles in a dedicated factory within Morocco.
This agreement is part of a series of initiatives Morocco has undertaken to lay the groundwork for a defense industry. The country has signed numerous partnerships in this field with groups and partners from various countries, including Brazil and Hungary.
Commenting on this significant agreement, military and security expert Hassan Saoudi told Assahifa that the deal is part of "a strategic Moroccan project related to defense manufacturing." He noted that, following the finalization of laws governing this sector, "it is now time to implement the project on the ground."
Saoudi, a researcher at the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies, added that establishing a local defense industry is not an easy task. To achieve this, Morocco needs partners from trusted allied countries, as the defense industry is a multifaceted system. This explains Morocco's approach to cooperation and signing agreements with multiple partners and countries.
In this context, Saoudi pointed out that India is a country with extensive experience, particularly in creating defense and security industrial zones, and has a well-developed ecosystem. Therefore, Morocco can benefit from India's experience, especially given the significant social and economic dimensions of this industry, such as job creation. He emphasized that India serves as the best model for Morocco to follow at this time.
Regarding media reports from some neighboring countries expressing regional concerns about Morocco's move toward defense manufacturing, Saoudi said, "Morocco's approach has always been about strategic preparedness without posing a threat to anyone." He emphasized that the kingdom's move toward defense manufacturing is a proactive step within this framework, reiterating that Morocco’s policy is to "prepare for war to avoid engaging in it."
The expert affirmed that Morocco's involvement in defense manufacturing is primarily a strategic choice with political and social dimensions, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and eventually moving toward export.
A statement from the National Defense Administration indicated that the partnership with the Indian "TATA" group is part of a broader dynamic aimed at developing Morocco's defense industry, with the goal of gradually establishing strategic autonomy. It highlighted that the factory will benefit from local supply resources, supporting Morocco's industrial ecosystem and creating new job opportunities.
The statement further mentioned that "TATA Advanced Systems Limited," globally renowned for its expertise in defense systems manufacturing, has become one of the first international players to invest in Morocco's defense sector. The project will not only meet local needs but also aims to position Morocco as an emerging regional player in the defense industry.
The project is expected to be completed within a maximum of 36 months, with a local employment integration rate starting at 35% and rising to 50% upon completion. It will create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs.
