Massive Success in Defence Export: TATA-DRDO WhAP Defeats China's NORINCO ZBL-09 in Direct Competition for Morocco Deal

Source : IgMp Bureau

In a major boost to India’s defense exports, Morocco has finalized an agreement with TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of TATA Motors, to set up a facility for manufacturing the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). This contract represents a significant victory for India, as the WhAP outperformed China’s NORINCO Type-08 (ZBL-09 or VN-1 export version) in a competitive bidding process.

The competition was intense, with China offering a lower price. However, Morocco’s Land Forces opted for the WhAP, favoring its superior quality and dependability. Powered by a 600hp American Cummins engine and equipped with an Allison 4500SP automatic transmission, the WhAP's reliability stood out. Additionally, concerns regarding China's after-sales service, based on previous deals, played a key role in Morocco's decision to go with India’s offering.

Chinese North Industries Group Corporation Limited or NORINCO designed and manufacture ZBL-09 Infantry Fighting Vehicle that participated in the Moroccan Army contract to procure 150 Wheeled Armoured Infantry Combat Vehicle

This agreement could potentially reshape defense procurement in Africa. China has historically been a dominant supplier in the region, but growing dissatisfaction with Chinese after-sales support could lead to more countries turning to India, which offers reliable military equipment with strong after-sales backing.

Setting up a WhAP manufacturing plant in Morocco gives India a strategic base to supply the vehicles to other Middle Eastern and African countries. This not only strengthens India’s defense export capabilities but also positions it as a strong competitor to Chinese defense products in the global market.

TATA Advacned Sytems Limited (TASL) manufactured and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) that won Moroccan Army contract to procure 150 Wheeled Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles under technology transfer and local manufacturing

The deal aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, showcasing the rising capabilities of India’s defense industry and highlighting the country’s expanding influence on the international stage.

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