Morocco has selected turret-mounted 105mm and 120mm guns developed by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems to be integrated into WhAP 8x8 armored combat vehicles manufactured by India’s Tata Advanced Systems, according to specialized defense reports.
The WhAP (Wheeled Armored Platform) 8x8 vehicles are slated for local production in Morocco under a strategic agreement signed with Tata, as part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to localize its defense industry.
The reports indicate that Morocco’s decision to work with Elbit Systems is also linked to a previous agreement with the Israeli firm to establish two arms manufacturing facilities on Moroccan soil. This suggests a coordinated effort to combine the capabilities of both Tata and Elbit Systems in developing a more powerful, Moroccan-customized armored vehicle.
While Tata’s standard WhAP 8x8 comes equipped with a 30mm cannon, Morocco aims to enhance its operational capabilities by installing Elbit’s heavier-caliber turret systems. These advanced weapon turrets—already deployed on Sabra tanks—can accommodate calibers up to 120mm, significantly boosting the firepower of the platform.
This development comes amid Morocco’s continued push to build a sovereign defense industry. In mid-May, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to localizing military production, stating in the annual "Daily Order" to the Royal Armed Forces that Morocco is determined to pursue full autonomy in defense capabilities.
The "Daily Order," published by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces on the occasion of the military’s 69th anniversary, emphasized the state's efforts in creating the legal, logistical, and operational conditions necessary to attract both Moroccan and international defense investors and partners.
King Mohammed VI underlined that defense industry localization is no longer a temporary or optional endeavor, but a strategic trajectory aligned with a long-term vision to strengthen Morocco’s defense sovereignty and reduce dependency on foreign arms and equipment.
The monarch also highlighted the crucial role of human capital in ensuring the success of this national project. He stressed the importance of providing soldiers with proper working conditions and modern facilities within military bases and training centers, as a foundation for effectively operating new-generation defense systems.
Notably, Morocco signed a strategic partnership with Tata in 2023 to manufacture WhAP 8x8 armored vehicles domestically in a dedicated facility within the Kingdom. This move forms part of a series of agreements signed with international partners—including firms from Brazil and Hungary—to lay the groundwork for a sustainable defense manufacturing ecosystem in Morocco.
Commenting on this major agreement, military and security expert Hassan Saiudi told Assahifa that the initiative is part of a “strategic Moroccan defense industry project.” He noted that now that the legal framework has been put in place, “it is time to implement the project on the ground.”
Souidi, a research fellow at the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized that building a local defense industry is no easy task and requires trusted partnerships with allied countries. “Defense manufacturing is a multi-layered ecosystem,” he said, explaining Morocco’s strategy of forging agreements with multiple nations.
He also highlighted India’s advanced experience in establishing integrated defense and security industrial zones, suggesting that Morocco can benefit significantly from this expertise. Beyond defense capabilities, Souidi pointed to the broader economic and social impact of the industry, particularly in creating jobs. “India stands today as the best model for Morocco to follow,” he concluded.
