India is set to inaugurate its first defence manufacturing plant in Africa during a two-day official visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Morocco.
The facility, located in Berrechid, will be operated by Tata Advanced Systems and will produce Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers (WhAP) 8×8, marking a significant step in expanding India’s global defence footprint.
The Ministry of Defence described the inauguration as a milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reflecting India’s ambition to become a key player in global defence manufacturing.
Alongside the inauguration, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdeltif Loudiyi, to discuss defence cooperation and strategic partnerships.
This development comes amid a broader push by India to strengthen its international defence and security engagements, alongside expanding infrastructure, technology, and trade partnerships across Africa.
The facility is expected to create employment opportunities for local workers while boosting the operational reach of Indian defence manufacturing abroad.
The inauguration also represents a historic first: Rajnath Singh will be the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Africa on an official capacity, underscoring India’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with the continent.
India’s move aligns with its strategic outreach in Africa, leveraging defence, technology, and trade to strengthen bilateral relations. The Berrechid facility is expected to support Africa’s growing defence needs while opening avenues for Indian defence exports.
It also signals a shift in global defence collaboration, where countries increasingly look beyond traditional partners to diversify manufacturing and supply chains.
