Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Maroc's new manufacturing facility at Berrechid in Morocco on Tuesday. This marks a milestone as it is India’s first defence manufacturing plant in Africa.
“Along with Make in India, we are also working on Make with Friends. Under this initiative, we will collaborate with trusted partners to develop and produce cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, through "Make for the World," the benefits of our innovation will be shared with the entire world. The facility being established in Berrechid is an excellent example of this very vision. This facility also demonstrates that Indian industries are not only capable of meeting domestic needs but are also prepared to enhance the defence capabilities of friendly nations through partnership. This is a model of partnership that respects sovereignty, strengthens local capacity, and also contributes to global peace,” said the defence minister of India.
Further speaking on the evolving relationship of India and Morocco, Rajnath said, "In recent years, both our countries have explored many areas where cooperation has yielded excellent results. These include renewable energy to fertilisers, information technology to tourism, and now a very important sector, defence and advanced manufacturing.”
"Today, as we welcome India's leading private-sector defence enterprise to Moroccan soil, this day further strengthens our shared resolve. The establishment of this defence manufacturing facility by Tata Advanced Systems Limited is truly a historic moment. It is one of the first foreign defence manufacturing plants established by an Indian company. This is not only a significant step for Tata Advanced Systems but also for the entire Indian Defence Industry,” he then added.
Key points of the manufacturing unit:
- It is spread over 20,000 square feet.
- An advanced armoured combat vehicle, incorporating the latest attributes of mobility, protection, and firepower, will be manufactured at the facility.
- Built in partnership with India's Defence Research & Development Organisation — DRDO.
- Plant will create numerous direct and indirect jobs, providing opportunities for Moroccan engineers, technicians, and skilled workers.
Also Read: India, Morocco sign MoU to boost defence cooperation
The defence minister has called the manufacturing unit “a testament to India's indigenous defence technology and the research and development ecosystem country built in recent years."
"The commitment of this project's local integration makes it special. I have been told that from the beginning, nearly one-third of the components and sub-systems will be sourced and assembled in Morocco, and in the coming years, the share of local value-addition is expected to be half of the total production. This is not just an export-import transaction, but a real partnership that builds capacity within Morocco and lays a strong foundation for shared development," he said.
The economic benefits are equally significant as technological benefits, Singh said, adding that the facility will further develop the local ecosystem of suppliers and small businesses, promote innovation, and generate a wave of development in the Casablanca region and its surrounding areas.
"This plant is also a bridge between this region and the global market has long been recognized as a gateway to Africa and a natural link between Europe, the Middle East, and the Atlantic. On the other hand, India, with its growing technological and industrial base, has emerged today as a rising hub of innovation and a reliable partner of the Global South. Therefore, this plant will be beneficial for both countries," Singh said.
Singh was on an official two-day visit to Morocco, which started on Sunday. Both countries have also signed an agreement to strengthen military cooperation.
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