Morocco Strengthens Its Defense Industry: Benslimane Factory to Produce 100 Kestrel Whap Armored Vehicles Annually

ALDAR/

The “Tata Factory” in the city of Benslimane is preparing to produce up to 100 Kestrel Whap 8×8 armored vehicles annually. These armored vehicles will primarily be designated for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, with the potential for export to other countries as part of Morocco’s strategic push to develop a robust defense industry.

The project will begin with a local integration rate of 35% in its initial phase, which is set to gradually increase to 50%. This reflects Morocco’s ambition to localize military manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Achieving this level of integration means that Morocco will manufacture and assemble a significant portion of the components domestically, contributing to technology transfer and the development of national expertise in the defense sector.

The Kestrel Whap is an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) capable of transporting nine soldiers in addition to the operating crew. It is specifically designed to suit military operations across the African continent, considering both terrain and security threats.

Thanks to its high mobility and adaptability to rough environments, this armored vehicle can play a crucial role in forming integrated combat units. A half-dozen of these armored vehicles, alongside four Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), several lightly armed technical vehicles, armored support equivalent to AMX-10 RC vehicles, support trucks carrying FPV drone operator teams, and logistical vehicles for fuel, ammunition, and supplies, could create a well-rounded and highly effective combat unit.

The local production of this armored vehicle reflects Morocco’s vision for enhancing its defense autonomy, transitioning from being merely an arms importer to becoming a producer and exporter of military equipment. Furthermore, the development of such armored vehicles paves the way for strategic partnerships with African countries seeking effective defense solutions, thereby reinforcing Morocco’s influence on both the regional and international levels.

With this development, the Tata Factory in Benslimane marks another significant step in Morocco’s long-term journey toward establishing a domestic military-industrial base, capable of meeting national defense needs and entering the global defense manufacturing market with confidence.