India’s indigenously designed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), is set to take Indian defence innovation to the global stage.
DRDO highlighted the vehicle’s capabilities in an X post, featuring visuals of its desert and Ladakh trials, amphibious operations, and the remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS).
On September 23, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Moroccan Defence Minister Abdelatif Loudyi, inaugurated TASL’s new state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid. Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility will produce WhAP 8×8 vehicles for the Royal Moroccan Army, with initial deliveries scheduled for next month. Tata will build 150 vehicles under the contract over three years, marking the largest export deal for Indian-made armoured vehicles to date.
Defence Minister Singh described the inauguration as a “historic moment” in India-Morocco strategic ties and emphasized India’s approach of self-reliance combined with global collaboration. “Along with ‘Make in India,’ we are also pursuing ‘Make with Friends’ and ‘Make for the World’; this facility in Morocco exemplifies that,” he said. Singh noted that approximately one-third of components will be sourced locally initially, rising to 50 percent over time, creating defence-related employment and a local ecosystem of engineers and technicians.
The WhAP 8×8 is a modular combat vehicle designed for multiple roles including infantry fighting, armoured personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier, ambulance, and special missions. It features a survivable monocoque hull, scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, central tyre inflation, and a high-power engine for superior off-road mobility. Variants include manned or unmanned RCWS, 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm weapons, and amphibious capabilities for paramilitary use.
DRDO stated that the WhAP platform is “an amphibious wheeled armoured vehicle with excellent mobility, protection, and firepower parameters,” capable of handling muddy and slushy terrains and sustaining mine blasts, making it a versatile addition to both Indian and global defence forces.
