The long-awaited Tata Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8, manufactured in Morocco, has made its grand debut in a formidable new combat configuration. This significant event took place at the prestigious Marrakech Airshow, held from October 7 to 10, 2026. The WhAP was showcased by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), revealing for the first time its advanced combat capabilities, particularly highlighted by the incorporation of the Elbit Systems UT30 MkII unmanned turret.
A Strategic Shift: From Domestic Production to Global Reach
This unveiling marks a pivotal moment in India's defense export landscape, signifying a shift from the traditional 'Make in India' initiative to a more ambitious 'Make for the World' strategy. The WhAP was meticulously assembled at the Tata Advanced Systems facility in Berrechid, Morocco, which signifies a robust defense partnership between India and Morocco. The production at this facility commenced in September 2025, and by December of the same year, the first batch of these state-of-the-art vehicles was successfully delivered to the Royal Moroccan Army. At the airshow, TASL is actively promoting the WhAP to a range of potential international buyers, emphasizing their vision of transforming this platform from a domestically focused military asset into a globally viable export product.
Advanced Firepower and Enhanced Crew Safety
The integration of the UT30 MkII remote turret significantly enhances the capabilities of the WhAP, transforming it from a standard troop carrier into a formidable Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The unmanned nature of the turret allows the crew to remain safely encased within the heavily armored hull while remotely operating high-caliber weaponry. Although TASL has yet to release complete specifications, images from the airshow showcase a 30mm automatic cannon paired with cutting-edge targeting optics. The Moroccan WhAP family is currently exploring various turret configurations, which include a heavy-duty 30x173mm cannon, a lighter 30x113mm cannon, and a specialized Counter-Unmanned Aerial System variant designed to counter the increasing drone threats on modern battlefields. Additionally, the Elbit UT30 MkII system offers the flexibility to integrate coaxial 7.62mm machine guns and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), thereby providing the platform with exceptional versatility for engaging both infantry and armored threats.
The WhAP, originally co-developed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is engineered to operate under the most challenging combat conditions. Weighing approximately 25 tons, this amphibious platform is powered by a potent 600-horsepower diesel engine, ensuring superior mobility across various terrains. By merging proven Indian engineering with advanced Israeli weaponry, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are equipped with a world-class, heavily protected combat vehicle that stands ready for future challenges.
As reported by defence.in.
