Inside Indian Army's garage: Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, Force Gurkha & more

Time of India

13-05-2025

Five iconic cars used by the Indian Army.
The
Indian Army
has long relied on several iconic made-in-India cars that have been developed to face the diverse challenges posed by the country's varied terrains. Some of these popular models are manufactured especially for the Indian Armed Forces in a bid to enable them ace the tough terrains ranging from the snow-laden Himalayas to the arid deserts of Rajasthan. Here's a quick look at five popular SUVs that the Indian Army currently has in its garages.
Tata Safari Storme GS800
The Tata Safari Storme GS800 has become a mainstay in the Army's fleet and is often spotted in different parts of the country. Specifically designed to meet military specifications, the GS800 stands for "General Service 800," indicating its 800 kg payload capacity. Under the hood, it houses a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 156 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 4x4 system.
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Mahindra Scorpio Classic
Next up, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic has been another reliable companion for the Army. The model, finished in stunning olive green colour, comes equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine delivering 130 hp and 300 Nm of torque. What makes it different from the model available for the civilians, is its 4x4 capability that is aimed to deliver optimal performance across diverse terrains.
Maruti Gypsy
Before the induction of newer models, the Maruti Gypsy was the backbone of the Army's mobility. Over 35,000 units have served the forces, powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine producing 80 hp and 103 Nm of torque. Its lightweight design and proven 4x4 system made it ideal for reconnaissance and patrol missions. The model, which is also a familiar sight in Indian Army parades and drills, is widely used for patrolling, reconnaissance, and troop transport.
Toyota Hilux
Not long ago, the Army inducted the Toyota Hilux into its fleet. The pickup truck features a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It also features a four-wheel-drive system, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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Force Gurkha
In March 2025, the Army added 2,978 units of the Force Gurkha to its fleet, skipping the trendy names such as the Mahindra Thar and Maruti
Suzuki Jimny
. This SUV is powered by a 2.6-litre, Mercedes-sourced turbocharged diesel engine delivering 138 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The updated Gurkha, launched last year, is offered in 3-door and 5-door variants priced at Rs 16.75 lakh and Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom, respectively. It features front independent suspension, fully locking differentials, 233 mm ground clearance, 35-degree incline capability, and 700 mm water wading capacity.
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