Tata Safari Storme likely to be Indian Army's new vehicle

According to media reports, the Indian Army has decided to replace the Maruti Gypsy fleet with Tata Safari Storme. An initial order of around 3,200 units has already been placed with Tata Motors. The order is expected to increase by 10-fold in the coming years, as the army will be progressively replacing 30,000 units of the Maruti Gypsy currently in service. An official announcement from the automaker or the defence forces is yet to be made.

The Gypsy has been serving the Indian army from a fairly long time. Owing to its ability to navigate tough terrains and its relatively compact size, the Gypsy has been used extensively to transport army troops and officers. However, the army has been keen on replacing it with a new SUV that has some additional safety features, and is diesel-powered.

In line with these plans to modernize its vehicle fleet, the Army had invited quotations from various automakers in 2013. The Safari Storme and the Mahindra Scorpio are said to have made it to the final list of probable options. The army then tested these vehicles in rigorous conditions, including high-altitudes, snow-bound regions, deserts and marshy lands. Tata is also reported to have presented a better financial deal to bag the contract.

Earlier this year, Tata Motors had also bagged a contract worth Rs. 13,000 crore to supply military trucks for the Indian Army.

Source: ET Auto