Indian Army-Spec Force Gurkha Spied Testing [Video]
The Indian Army currently uses a mix of old Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, Tata Safari Storme, Mahindra Scorpio, and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in its various fleets. Recently, it has been reported that the Indian Army is planning to add the latest generation Force Gurkha to its fleet. What will be more unique about Gurkhas of the Indian Army will be that it will be a pickup truck. Recently, a video showing one such Force Gurkha pickup truck being tested on public roads has been shared online.
Indian Army Force Gurkha Spotted Testing
The video showing this particular Force Gurkha pickup has been shared on YouTube by The Fat Biker on their channel. In this short video, we can note that a military green-colored Force Gurkha with a pickup bed was driving on the highway in the left lane. It can also be seen that the truck bed was covered with a proper fabric cover.
As for the rear-end design, we can identify the same taillights as the five-door and three-door Force Gurkha. In the short clip, the vehicle can be seen passing a Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and the size difference between the vehicles is very significant. The video then shows this model from the front, and we can observe that it has the exact same circular LED headlights with LED DRLs.
The grille, snorkel on the front right side, and the overall front bumper design are also the same. Additionally, this test vehicle was spotted driving on the same 18-inch alloy wheels which are offered with the standard models. As can be seen in the video, this particular test mule was the four-door model.
Most likely, this model is also powered by the same Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.6-litre diesel engine. This motor is capable of producing 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Transmission options for this SUV will most likely only include a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle comes with a best-in-class ground clearance of 233 mm and excels with its water-wading depth as well—700 mm.
Indian Army Force Gurkha: Details
For those who may not be aware, just a few weeks ago it was announced that Force Motors has received an order for 2,978 Force Gurkhas from the Indian Defence Forces. Force Motors received the new contract from the Directorate General of Capb, Devp (CD-13/14) General Staff Branch. As per the announcement, these Force Gurkhas will be delivered to the Indian Army over a period of three years.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, while announcing the details of this order received from the Indian Army, said:
We are honored to continue our association with the Indian Defence Forces through this substantial order. 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.
This is not the first time that the Indian Army has added the Force Gurkha to its fleet. Back in 2018, Force Motors supplied the Indian Army with Light Strike Vehicles (LCVs), designed and developed by the company’s R&D team. These LCVs were equipped with differential locks on all wheels, run-flat tyres, and provision to mount assault weapons such as rocket launchers and machine guns.