Morocco’s WhAP 8x8 Armored Vehicles: Elbit Systems Likely to Supply Combat Turrets, Not Indian Firms
Recent reports about Morocco sourcing turrets from Indian companies for its WhAP 8x8 armored vehicles have been denied by Tata Advanced Systems Limited. Instead, Morocco will collaborate with Israel's Elbit Systems, which is establishing local production. This partnership aims to enhance Morocco's defense capabilities through technology transfer and local manufacturing.
hassan benyoub 
Rabat, March 23, 2025, 5:00 PM PDT – Recent reports suggesting Morocco would equip its locally manufactured WhAP 8x8 armored vehicles with 105mm or 120mm combat turrets from Indian or European companies have been debunked by direct sources from Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Instead, Morocco is poised to collaborate with Israel’s Elbit Systems, which has already begun establishing production lines in the Kingdom, as confirmed by industry insiders and reported on X by @MilitaryMorocco.
Clarification on WhAP 8x8 Turret Plans
TASL, partnering with Morocco to produce the WhAP 8x8 under a 2024 agreement, refuted claims of sourcing turrets from Indian firms, stating, “Morocco will not equip its armored vehicles with combat turrets from Indian companies—this has been confirmed to us multiple times,” per our sources. Instead, the logical choice is Elbit Systems, which has expanded its footprint in Morocco with two production sites since 2023, focusing on defense systems like the UT30MK2 turret, per Defence-Industry.eu (web ID: 1) and ElbitSystems.com (web ID: 2).
The WhAP 8x8, set to roll off production lines in 18 months, has previously been showcased with Elbit’s UT30MK2 30mm turret, a combat-proven system, per ElbitSystems.com. Sources did not rule out Elbit developing custom 105mm or 120mm turrets tailored to Morocco’s needs, aligning with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’ modernization goals, as noted in Military.Africa (web ID: 0).
Technology Transfer and Local Production
The collaboration between Morocco and Elbit Systems could extend to research and development, equipping the WhAP 8x8 and other systems with advanced combat and defense capabilities, with technology transfer and local manufacturing in Morocco, per our sources. Elbit is “fully open” to this option, supporting Morocco’s strategy to enhance its defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, as highlighted in TheDefensePost.com (web ID: 3). This aligns with Morocco’s broader push for South-South cooperation, per Military.Africa.
While Elbit is the frontrunner, other companies remain in contention, provided they offer high-tech turrets with technology transfer and local production, per industry analysts on X like @DefenceInsights. Posts on X, such as @MoroccoMilitary’s, speculate on potential European partnerships, but Elbit’s established presence gives it a clear edge.
Strategic Implications
Morocco’s focus on local production with Elbit reflects its ambition to bolster military self-sufficiency amid regional tensions, particularly with Algeria, per Defence-Industry.eu. The WhAP 8x8, designed for infantry support, could enhance Morocco’s capabilities with advanced turrets, strengthening its position in North Africa, per Military.Africa.
