The Indian Army has placed an additional order for 1,850 units of the Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUV, further expanding its fleet. This follows an earlier order in January for 1,470 units, bringing the total number of Scorpio SUVs ordered by the Army to 3,320.
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is specially designed to meet the requirements of the Indian Army. It features a unique paint shade and comes equipped with standard 4WD technology, making it well-suited for challenging terrains and off-road operations.
Under the hood, the Scorpio Classic is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. While specific powertrain details for the Army variant are not disclosed, it is likely to be powered by the older 2.2-litre diesel engine that delivers 140 horsepower. The civilian version of the Scorpio Classic available in the market is equipped with a newer and updated 130 horsepower 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The Scorpio Classic SUVs ordered by the Indian Army will serve as replacements for the aging Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, a popular choice for the armed forces for nearly two decades. In addition to the Gypsy, the Army has previously procured a fleet of Tata Xenon pickups and specially prepared Tata Safari Storme (GS800) vehicles.
It is worth noting that the Indian armed forces are also exploring the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleet. Recently, the Indian Air Force added 12 Tata Nexon EVs to its lineup, showcasing a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Images shared by Mahindra reveal the Army-spec Scorpio Classic SUVs ready for delivery. Adorned in a distinctive shade of green, these SUVs feature 5-spoke silver alloy wheels, fog lamps, side steps, and roof rails. A black plastic panel is positioned above the vertically stacked tail-lights to minimize potential damage.
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUVs will contribute to the Army’s operational capabilities, providing reliable transportation in various terrains and supporting their mission requirements. The partnership between Mahindra and the Indian Army continues to strengthen, with the delivery of these purpose-built vehicles that meet the specific needs of the armed forces.
