Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 joins British Army fleet, reviving century-old ties

Royal Enfield has supplied four Himalayan 450 units to the British army, rekindling its historic association. These units will be used by the force’s Motorised Adventure (AMA) for training and development exercises across the UK, and will also feature in public events such as Exercise Mudmaster and Exercise Roadmaster – both designed to test riding, navigation and survival skills in tough terrain.

The move follows Royal Enfield’s recent outing at the Army Motorsport Day at Thruxton Circuit, and AMA personnel are also expected to participate at Motorcycle Live 2025 in Birmingham, UK this November, along with other events well into 2026.

Royal Enfield’s military links go back more than a century, with the brand supplying motorcycles to the British Army as early as 1914. During WWII, Enfield famously produced the 125cc ‘Flying Flea’ – a lightweight two-stroke that was dropped in with paratroopers on D-Day. More recently, the 2018 Classic 500 Pegasus Edition paid homage to that very machine, complete with period-correct liveries and military insignia.

Commenting on the development, George Cheeseman, Country Manager at Royal Enfield UK, said, “With such a deep-rooted history, we felt compelled to support the British Army’s Motorised Adventure programme. With the Himalayan, we can provide a machine that is truly capable and versatile in the toughest conditions.”

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Foulerton of the AMA added that the association gives serving personnel not just the chance to get on two wheels, but also to hone off-road skills and take part in expeditions both at home and overseas.

The latest deal with the British Army shows that Royal Enfield’s military legacy continues to resonate, with the Himalayan 450 now carrying the baton as a modern, go-anywhere motorcycle trusted by both adventurers and armed forces alike.