Tata Motors has started the deliveries of the “Safari Storme” to the Indian Army. The company will deliver a total of 3,192 units in a phased manner. It will replace the Maruti Suzuki “Gypsy”, which has been used by the army for decades.

Tata "Safari Storme" as delivered to the Indian army from May 2018, except the paint finish that is matt kaki on the army vehicles  (Picture source: Tata Motors)

This 4x4 SUV passed a field trial test amongst other candidates and was selected by the Indian army for personnel transportation on roads and off-road.The Safari Storme met all the conditions that were imposed by the army. The armed forces were looking for a vehicle with a payload capacity of 800 kg, a hard-top roof and air-conditioner. Apart from Tata, Nissan and Mahindra too will provide SUVs to the armed forces.

Two small blackout-drive headlights mounted on the bumper project a horizontal beam of light in order to avoid detection of the SUVs at night. The rear gets a strong hook for towing trailers and a couple of jerrycan mounts on the rear fenders, and the bonnet now features an antenna for radios.

Apart from these little changes, the SUV gets underbody protection with uprated suspension as well. The “Safari Storme” keeps the standard 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine which delivers around 154 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque.