In a significant development for India’s defense sector, Mahindra & Mahindra and Force Motors have entered into a landmark agreement to supply specialized light vehicles to the Indian Army. This deal marks the first-ever induction of Light Vehicle (Soft Top) in the 800kg category, a milestone in enhancing the military’s operational capabilities.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Force Motors’ Contribution: Force Motors will provide 2,978 Force Gurkha light vehicles to the Indian defense forces.
• Mahindra & Mahindra’s Role: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will supply 1,986 vehicles as part of the contract.
• Special Features: These vehicles are custom-designed for hilly terrain, offering robust protection and reliability to meet the challenges of diverse operational landscapes.

This procurement is a notable event as it revives a category of General Service (GS) B Vehicles that had not seen a contract since 2017, when the last order was placed for the Safari.

The order was issued by the Directorate General of Capability Development (CD-13/14), General Staff Branch, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. Force Motors has emerged as the L1 vendor, underscoring its ability to meet the Indian Army’s stringent requirements. The delivery of these vehicles will occur in multiple tranches over a maximum of three years, ensuring a phased and steady integration into the defense fleet.

These light vehicles are engineered to serve the operational demands of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Built to perform in demanding defense environments, they reflect a blend of innovation and practicality, tailored to support missions in rugged and challenging conditions.

The deal highlights the growing role of private-sector expertise in bolstering India’s defense capabilities. The introduction of these customized vehicles not only strengthens logistical and tactical operations but also showcases the potential of indigenous manufacturing to meet national security needs.

This historic deal sets a new precedent for future defense procurements, reinforcing the synergy between India’s military and its industrial base.