In a pivotal move that reinforces the indigenous defense landscape, Mahindra & Mahindra has secured a substantial contract worth ₹2,700 crore with the Indian Armed Forces. The agreement involves the supply of 1,986 units of the Scorpio Pik-Up, enhancing Mahindra’s long-standing association with the military and marking a significant milestone in the company’s role within India’s defense logistics framework.
This new order elevates Mahindra’s total vehicle provision to the Indian Army to over 4,000 units, which encompasses a diverse array of models, including the Scorpio Pik-Ups, Scorpio Classic, Scorpio N, and Bolero Pik-Up 4WD. Currently, the Indian Army maintains a fleet that includes more than 7,000 Mahindra Scorpio SUVs, solidifying the company’s position as one of the leading suppliers of utility vehicles to the defense sector.
The Scorpio Pik-Up designated for the Army is a bespoke version that is not available for civilian customers in India. While it enjoys popularity in export markets such as South Africa and Australia, Mahindra is tailoring this vehicle specifically to meet military requirements. Built on the new Scorpio N chassis, the Pik-Up is anticipated to boast a robust single-cab design, though it remains uncertain whether a dual-cab variant will also be supplied to the Army.
The Army-specific modifications are expected to align the vehicle more closely with military specifications. This includes the replacement of alloy wheels with steel rims to enhance durability and simplicity. The vehicle will also don the traditional Army Green color scheme. Both cab configurations are set to include reinforced roll bars that rise above the cabin roofline to provide extra rollover protection.
The Army will exclusively receive the 4×4 diesel variant of the Scorpio Pik-Up. While Mahindra’s civilian models feature both petrol and diesel options, the military will obtain the 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine, capable of delivering 172 Bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. Although the specifics regarding transmission remain unconfirmed, both manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes could be options available for the engine.
Inside the cabin, significant reconfigurations are expected to accommodate military-specific equipment and communication systems, prioritizing operational functionality and tactical readiness over luxury amenities.
Alongside Mahindra’s Scorpio Pik-Ups, the Indian Army is set to introduce an additional 2,978 units of the Force Gurkha, a robust off-road vehicle designed for high-altitude and rugged terrain deployments. Collectively, these acquisitions represent a critical advancement in the Army’s modernization efforts and mobility enhancement programs.
While Mahindra does not intend to launch the Scorpio N Pik-Up in the Indian civilian market—citing historically low demand—the vehicle is projected to enter various international markets shortly. The export variant is expected to feature high-end amenities, including leatherette upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. Some variants may also incorporate Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and trailer sway control, although such features are not likely to be included in the Army edition.
The ongoing collaboration of Mahindra with the Indian Armed Forces underscores its dedication to supporting national defense needs with robust, domestically produced, and mission-capable mobility solutions.
