India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited is reportedly considering expanding its defense manufacturing activities in Morocco. The potential expansion would involve producing the Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle at its factory in Berrechid, near Casablanca. This move would build on Tata's existing production of WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles at the same facility. The company showcased both the LAMV 4×4 and the WhAP 8×8 at the Marrakech Air Show, held from October 7 to 10.
The Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle is a four-wheeled armored vehicle designed for military operations requiring mobility and protection. It is smaller than the eight-wheeled WhAP, allowing it to serve different tactical needs. The LAMV's appearance at the Marrakech Air Show demonstrates Tata's interest in presenting its wider defense portfolio in Morocco. However, the company has not officially confirmed plans to manufacture the LAMV at the Moroccan facility.
The Berrechid factory, known as Tata Advanced Systems Maroc, was inaugurated in September 2025 under a strategic partnership between Morocco and India. The facility began producing WhAP 8×8 vehicles for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and potential international customers. The project aims to strengthen Morocco's defense industry, create skilled jobs, and establish the country as a regional production and export base for armored vehicles.
The factory covers 20,000 square meters and was expected to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs. According to Morocco's National Defense Administration, the factory initially aimed to use 35% locally sourced components, with that share expected to rise to 50% as Moroccan suppliers develop their capabilities. This partnership combines foreign technology with local production and skills development.
The possible move comes as Morocco seeks to develop its domestic defense industry through partnerships with international manufacturers. Cooperation with India has become part of these efforts. Adding the LAMV to the facility's production plans could broaden Tata's manufacturing activities in Morocco and expand the range of military vehicles available to domestic and international customers.
However, the extent of any expansion and its timeline are still unclear. For now, the LAMV's appearance at the Marrakech Air Show does not confirm that local manufacturing has been approved. The company has not officially confirmed plans to manufacture the LAMV at the Moroccan facility.
The potential expansion would support Morocco's goal of becoming a regional production and export base for armored vehicles, particularly for African markets. This would also align with the country's efforts to develop its domestic defense industry and create skilled jobs.
Key points
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited considers expanding its defense manufacturing in Morocco to include the Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle.
- The Berrechid factory aims to use 35% locally sourced components, with a goal of increasing that share to 50%.
- The project aims to create 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, and establish Morocco as a regional production and export base for armored vehicles.
