Description

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Picture Courtesy: PIB

Context

The Defence Minister inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)’s defence manufacturing facility in Morocco and signed an MoU on defence cooperation.

About Morocco

Location: Western North Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain.
Borders:

Western Sahara (South).
Algeria (East).
Atlantic Ocean (West).
Mediterranean Sea (North).

Unique Advantage: Only African country with coastlines on both Atlantic & Mediterranean.
Physical Geography:

Atlas Mountains
Highest Point: Mount Toubkal.
Longest River: Draa River.

Significance of the Defence MoU

First-of-its-kind: First overseas defence facility by an Indian private company.

Largest Defence Plant in Morocco: Strengthens local capacity and creates jobs.

Supports National Strategies:

Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).
Make in India, Make with Friends, Make for the World.

Strategic Partnership: Enhances India–Morocco defence relations and broader South-South cooperation.

Export Potential: Morocco’s location as a gateway to both Africa and Europe enhances market access.

Regional Security: Strengthens Morocco’s defence capacity and contributes to stability in North Africa.

Facility Purpose

The primary purpose of the new facility is the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8, a next-generation combat vehicle jointly designed by TASL and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The WhAP is an indigenously developed, modular platform known for its advanced protection, superior mobility, and operational versatility. It can be adapted for various combat and support roles, including:

Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Reconnaissance Vehicle
Command Post
Mortar Carrier
Ambulance

The vehicle can also be equipped with remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missiles, making it a formidable asset for modern armed forces.

Strategic Step for India

Expands India’s defence diplomacy footprint in Africa.
Diversifies defence exports, reducing dependence on traditional buyers.
Strengthens maritime security cooperation in the Mediterranean and Atlantic zones.
Counters China’s growing influence in African defence markets.

Source: PIB

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about Morocco:

It is the only African nation with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
It shares land borders with Algeria and Libya.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Morocco is the only African country that has coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean (to the west) and the Mediterranean Sea (to the north).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Morocco shares a land border with Algeria to its east. Morocco does not share a land border with Libya; Tunisia lies between Algeria and Libya. Its de facto southern border is with Mauritania, due to its control over much of the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The WhAP is an indigenously developed, next-generation combat vehicle jointly designed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and DRDO, known for its modular design and versatile combat roles.

Morocco is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It sits at the northwestern tip of the continent, with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Morocco is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is the only African country with coastal access to both bodies of water.