Tata Motors has signed a contract to supply 3,192 units of the Tata Safari Storme 4×4 SUV to the Indian Armed Forces, under a new category of vehicles — GS800 (General Service 800). The Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) had floated an RFP for vehicles with three basic criteria — minimum payload capacity of 800 kg, hard roofs and air conditioning.
Tata says that the Safari Storme 4×4 has completed a total trial duration of 15 months in various terrains across the country, demonstrating supreme performance in the most demanding conditions with capabilities of coping with extreme on or off-road terrains.
Tata further adds that the company’s foray into Defence is progressing exactly as per the plan. “First a replacement of Tatra by Tata High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 in the 10 Tonne class, and now a replacement of Maruti Gypsy by Tata Safari Storme in the 4×4 light vehicle category, reiterates Tata Motors’ position as a leading supplier of defence mobility solutions to the Indian Armed Forces,” said the company in an official statement.
We are very proud to have received this prestigious order for over 3,000 units of the Safari Storme under the newly formed GS800 category. Tata Motors has been a leading supplier of mobility solutions to the Indian Armed Forces and this order is a testimony to our partnership with the country’s security forces. This variant of the Storme has been modified from the one available for civilians with an upgraded drivetrain and significantly modified suspension. The Safari Storme was conceived and designed keeping in mind the need for a rugged, comfortable and reliable vehicle, making it popular with law enforcement agencies. We will shortly commence delivery of these vehicles for the Army and Navy in a phased manner. – Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors
Introduced in 2012, the Safari Storme packs a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Varicor 400 diesel motor, with an output of 156 PS (154 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,750-2,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 4WD system features ESOF (electronic shift-on-fly) technology, enabling engagement of the 4×4 or 4×2 mode on the move.
Tata Motors has been associated with the country’s off-road defence and security forces since 1958 and has supplied over 1,50,000 vehicles to the Indian Military and Paramilitary forces, so far. The company also exports its range of specialized defence vehicles to the SAARC, ASEAN and African regions, and also for UN peacekeeping missions. With the portfolio in multi-axle range like 12×12, 8×8 and 6×6, the company claims to have started supplying to leading Missile OEMs across the world as well.
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