Indian Army expands fleet, adds Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUVs

The Indian Army has placed a top-up order of 1,850 units of the Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUV. This is the second lot of the Scorpio Classic that the Army has ordered – in January this year, Mahindra received an order to deliver 1,470 units to the Indian Army.

Mahindra Scorpio for the Indian Army: what’s different? 
The first lot of Scorpio SUVs for the Indian Army sported the older Mahindra logo and had standard 4WD. The second lot is expected to be the same, however, it will most likely sport the carmaker's new logo and the Scorpio Classic nameplate. The second lot of SUVs delivered to the Indian Army could also come with 4WD, similar to the first set of vehicles. 

Sources tell us that the Scorpios will replace the older units of the Army's all-time favourite, the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, which has been in service for almost two decades. In the past, the Indian Army has also procured a fleet of Tata Xenon pick-ups and the specially prepared Tata Safari Storme (GS800), besides the Gypsy.

The armed forces are also looking to integrate EVs into its fleet, with the Indian Air Force recently adding 12 Tata Nexon EVs. 

An image shared by Mahindra reveals a batch of Army-spec Scorpio Classic SUVs ready for delivery. The SUVs are painted in a shade of green and are fitted with 5-spoke silver alloy wheels, fog lamps, side steps and roof rails. The Mahindra Scorpio also features a black plastic panel on either side of the windshield, just above the vertically stacked tail-lights to minimise damage to the vehicle.

Powertrain details are under wraps, but it being the older model of the Scorpio, it is to be powered by the older 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 140hp and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Mahindra Scorpio Classic available in the market gets a new and updated 130hp 2.2-litre diesel engine.