Army picks Safari Storme

Tata Motors has signed a contract for supply of 3,192 units of the Tata Safari Storme 4x4 to the Indian Armed Forces, under a new category of vehicles — GS800 (General Service 800).

The 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. Developed indigenously, the Tata Safari Storme 4x4 has completed a total trial duration of fifteen 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 Motors’ foray into defence is progressing exactly as per the plan. First a replacement of Tatra by Tata High Mobility Vehicle 6x6 in the 10-tonne class, and now a replacement of Maruti Gypsy by Tata Safari Storme in the 4x4 light vehicle category, reiterates Tata Motors’ position as a leading supplier of defence mobility solutions to the Indian Armed 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,” Tata Motors Vice President (Defence & Government Business) Vernon Noronha said.

Introduced in 2012, the Safari Storme boasts of superior on-road and off-road capabilities and robust performance. With a renewed power of 156 PS & 400 Nm torque, the Storme provides easy drivability, swifter response and lower NVH levels, with superior fuel efficiency and best-in-class ground clearance of 200 mm. The 4X4 variant also features ESOF (electronic shift-on-fly) technology, enabling engagement of the 4X4 or 4X2 mode on the move.