SOURCE: AFI
In a major boost to its defence portfolio, Force Motors Limited has clinched a landmark contract with the Indian Defence Forces to supply 2,978 Force Gurkha light vehicles, cementing its position as a key player in India’s military logistics ecosystem. The deal, awarded by the Directorate General of Capability Development (CD-13/14) under the General Staff Branch, was announced on March 27, 2025, and underscores the Pune-based automaker’s growing stature in meeting the nation’s security needs.
The contract centers on the Force Gurkha GS 4X4 800 kg Soft Top model, a Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) tailored to the exacting standards of military operations. Known for its rugged design and versatility, the Gurkha has earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse, capable of tackling the harshest environments—be it the arid deserts of Rajasthan, the flooded plains of the Northeast, or the treacherous heights of the Himalayas. This order, valued implicitly through the scale of 2,978 units, represents a significant vote of confidence in Force Motors’ engineering prowess and its ability to deliver mission-critical solutions.
The Gurkha LSV stands out for its exceptional off-road capabilities, making it an ideal fit for the Indian armed forces’ diverse operational requirements. With best-in-class ground clearance, the vehicle effortlessly navigates uneven and obstacle-laden terrain. Its water-wading capacity—unmatched among peers—enables it to ford deep crossings that would immobilize lesser vehicles, a vital feature for operations in monsoon-prone or riverine regions. The advanced 4×4 system ensures superior traction and mobility across sand, mud, and snow, while its robust chassis and lightweight 800 kg payload capacity strike a balance between durability and agility.
Force Motors has engineered the Gurkha to thrive where conventional military transport falters. Its soft-top configuration offers flexibility for rapid deployment and adaptability, whether for troop movement, reconnaissance, or light strike missions. The vehicle’s design reflects a deep understanding of India’s varied geography and the tactical demands of modern warfare, positioning it as a strategic asset for the defence forces.
The contract’s execution will unfold in multiple tranches over a maximum of three years, a phased approach that ensures seamless integration into the military’s logistics framework. This staggered delivery schedule allows Force Motors to maintain stringent quality standards while enabling the armed forces to deploy the vehicles across units systematically. The first tranche is expected to roll out in the coming months, with subsequent batches aligning with operational priorities.
For Force Motors, this deal marks a milestone in its decades-long association with India’s defence sector. The company, founded in 1958, has a storied history of supplying vehicles like the Matador and Shaktiman trucks to the military. The Gurkha LSV contract builds on this legacy, spotlighting its transition from traditional utility vehicles to specialized defence solutions. It also aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, showcasing indigenous manufacturing capabilities that reduce reliance on foreign imports.
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