2900 Force Gurkha SUVs Set To join The Army- Details

The Force Gurkha has been around for a while and is quite a capable off-roader SUV. Force Motors has now bagged a major defence order for the Gurkha. 2,978 Force Gurkhas will be inducted into the Indian Defence Forces, marking a significant milestone for the manufacturer. Force has had a longstanding partnership with the Indian Defence sector.

The Gurkha is now available in both 3-door and 5-door iterations. The new order will be fulfilled in phases over the next three years. These vehicles will serve the Indian army and Air Force. The manufacturer will deliver mission-ready vehicles which are tailor-made to perform in demanding defence environments. Force Motors received the new contract from the Directorate General of Capb, Devp (CD-13/14) General Staff Branch

The carmaker has long been supplying the defence sector with the Gurkha LSV (Light Strike Vehicle) which is designed to deliver on durability, off-road excellence, and adaptability. The rugged nature and tough build of the SUV make it an ideal fit for the armed forces.

Under its hood, the Force Gurkha houses an upgraded version of the familiar 2.6-litre Mercedes-sourced diesel engine. It now produces 140 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The vehicle comes with a best-in-class ground clearance of 233 mm and excels with its water-wading depth as well- 700mm.

These are, however, the specifications of the civilian version. The specifications of the military version could vary, depending on varying operational requirements. The army and the Air Force already love the Gurkha for its robust build, reliable drivetrain, and advanced 4x4 capabilities.

Force Motors seems to be excited about the new order. "We are honored to continue our association with the Indian Defence Forces through this substantial order," said Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors.

"Our vehicles are designed with focus on quality, reliability, ruggedness, and performance, aligning perfectly with the operational needs of our defence personnel. This order is a testament to the trust and confidence Indian Defence Forces place in Force Motors."- he added.

More About The Civilian Version Of Force Gurkha

The manufacturer launched the facelifted version of the Gurkha in India last year. The SUV gets several upgrades over its predecessor. It got redesigned alloy wheels, updated headlamps, a refreshed grille, and a more premium interior. The upholstery has been improved as well. The new SUV now comes with a fully digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, dual front airbags, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The 2024 update stuffed more value into the off-roader.

The Gurkha Now Has a 5-door version

The 5-door guise of Gurkha was launched in India last year, with an ex-showroom price of 18 lakh rupees. Aimed to rival the hot-selling Mahindra Thar ROXX, it gets an extra set of doors, and an improved powertrain setup. The cabin got major improvements in liveability and features. The design at large, would distantly remind you of the G-Wagen.

The wheelbase has grown by 425 mm, and the SUV rides on 18-inch wheels. The SUV retains two differential locks and the familiar snorkel. The 5-door Gurkha definitely has an upper hand over the Maruti Jimny, another rival.

The New Jimny Joins The Defence Forces

In February, the Indian Armed Forces officially started replacing the iconic Gypsy with the all-new Maruti Jimny. The manufacturer handed over 60 Jimnies to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This is the first-ever induction of the Jimny into the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). These vehicles will be in service along the Leh-Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The Jimny fleet will be used for patrolling, border guarding, and the movement of officers and troops.