TASL Deal: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) on Monday (September 30) announced a strategic partnership with the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco to manufacture wheeled armored platforms. The company hopes that this agreement will help it explore similar ventures in other African countries.
This will be Morocco’s first major defense manufacturing plant and the first production unit of an Indian Defense Original Equipment Manufacturer outside India. TASL said its local unit will produce a significant number of specialized vehicle systems for Morocco and potentially other countries in Africa.
Indian company will set up a defense factory abroad for the first time
The company said in a statement, “TASL platform 8 by 8 has been developed by Tata Advanced Systems and Tata Motors in collaboration with DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization). Thus, it is a successful example of Indian private and public sector partnership.” It said, “This will increase production in India, as well as start the final assembly of defense platforms in Morocco.” Most of the foreign companies dominate the defense sector. In such a situation, it will be the first time that a company from the country will set up a defense factory abroad.
When will production start?
The production facility is expected to be operational in the next 12 months to supply the contracted quantity of units. TASL said that a large part of the content of this platform will be exported from India, while also fulfilling the commitment of local employment, value addition and support in Morocco. It has been said that a production facility spread over 20,000 square meters has been identified in Casablanca.
The initial contracted quantity is to solely meet the needs of the Royal Moroccan Army, the facility will be a 100 percent subsidiary of TASL and will become an export hub to meet the needs of other countries, especially Africa. TASL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Sukaran Singh said the company is “extremely proud” to sign this partnership with the Moroccan government.
