The Story Behind These 'Outlandish' Toyota Fortuner SUVs
Recently, a few images of a number of matte olive green-colored Toyota Fortuners have gone viral on the internet. These particular SUVs are not your average Fortuners that you see dozens of on the road every day. Rather, these have a unique and massive bulging carrier on top. Now, you may be wondering what exactly these Fortuners are being used for and to whom they belong. Well, if you are one of those people, then here’s the answer.
Unique Toyota Fortuners with Satellite Dishes on Top
These viral images of multiple Toyota Fortuners with a unique bulge on top have confused a lot of people. The actual story behind these Fortuners is that they have been specially designed and developed for the Indian military and paramilitary. All of these Toyota Fortuners are finished in matte olive green, a color that only the Indian military can use.
As for the bulge that can be noted on the top, it is a specialized satellite communication system that has been added. Most likely, these vehicles will be used by the Indian military and its special forces and will be taken to remote areas where normal networks do not work. A few images from before revealed that these Fortuners do not have rear seats.
Rather, the communication systems have been added for the use of military personnel. It can be observed that the Indian military has opted for both the Alpha 4, which is the 4X4 variant, and the standard 4X2 variants of the Toyota Fortuner. Apart from these modifications, these SUVs could have also been given a few other military-grade pieces of equipment as well. Now, whether these vehicles are bulletproof or not is currently unknown.
Indian Military Also Has Toyota Hilux
In addition to these Toyota Fortuners, the Indian military, back in 2023, was also delivered a number of Toyota Hilux pickup trucks. These Toyota Hilux vehicles have been specifically designed for the use of the Indian Army. The modified versions of the Hilux are named the Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV).
The FDV, or Field Diagnosis Vehicle, was specially designed to meet the unique requirements of the Indian Army. This special-purpose vehicle is built to withstand the operational and logistical challenges faced by the army in tough terrains. As for the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), it is a modified Hilux meant to be used during emergency situations.
Both the Toyota Hilux and the Fortuner come powered by the time-tested 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This motor is capable of producing a maximum power output of 204 PS and peak torque of 420 Nm with the manual transmission. As for the automatic transmission variants, they produce 500 Nm of torque.
Indian Military Recently Added Maruti Jimny to Its Fleet
Recently, it was announced that the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) of India has added the Maruti Suzuki Jimny to its fleet. These Jimnys are replacing the legendary Maruti Gypsys. It has been announced that Maruti Suzuki has provided the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with a total of 60 Maruti Suzuki Jimnys.
According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, these new Maruti Suzuki Jimnys will be used in extreme conditions along the borders of Leh-Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. These Jimnys will help the ITBP in patrolling and border-guarding operations. The newly inducted Jimnys will also help in transporting officers and troops to high altitudes and rugged terrains.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny comes powered by a 1.5-liter engine that produces 105 bhp and 134 Nm of torque. This engine comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It also gets a dedicated 4X4 system—the AllGrip Pro 4WD system. Additionally, it also gets a low-range gearbox with 2WD-high, 4WD-high, and 4WD-low.