The Force Gurkha, an off-road SUV from India, has been officially added to the fleet of the Indian Defence Forces. Force Motors has revealed that it has secured an order for 2,978 units of the Gurkha from these forces.
The company emphasized that these vehicles are specifically designed to fulfill the varied operational needs of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, highlighting Force Motors’ ability to provide vehicles that are ready for mission deployment in challenging defence conditions.
Notably, Force Motors has a long-standing history of serving the defence sector with its Gurkha LSV (Light Strike Vehicle). The Force Gurkha is engineered with a focus on off-road capabilities, featuring significant ground clearance, impressive water wading ability, and a robust 4×4 drivetrain for off-road performance. Its design and mechanical setup are intended to accommodate a wide range of terrains, from deserts to mountainous regions.
These characteristics make it suitable for use in scenarios that require consistent performance in challenging environments, such as those encountered by military units during field operations. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors, stated, “Our vehicles are engineered with an emphasis on quality, reliability, durability, and performance, which aligns seamlessly with the operational requirements of our defense personnel. This order reflects the trust and confidence that the Indian Defence Forces have in Force Motors.”
(Also read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny to serve at the Indo-Tibetan Border, joins the Central Armed Police Force)
What are the specifications of the Force Gurkha?
The Force Gurkha is offered in two configurations: a 3-door and a 5-door variant. Both models are equipped with a 2.6-liter turbocharged intercooled diesel engine. This updated engine generates 138 bhp and delivers a peak torque of 320 Nm. The torque is available across a broader range, from 1,400 rpm to 2,600 rpm, facilitating enhanced highway performance. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, and the vehicle features both front and rear locking differentials for improved off-road capability.
(Also read: Mahindra Thar Roxx with light grey interior starts reaching dealerships)
What are the features of the Force Gurkha?
In terms of features, the Force Gurkha gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED a new 7-inch digital instrument console to the off-roader along with a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, bringing the model up to speed with newer creature comforts. With the 2024, the 4WD shifter has also been switched from a manual lever to a shift-on-fly rotor knob between the front seats.