Independence Day gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude towards the Indian defence forces that protect our borders. They serve the country in extreme weather conditions against all odds, showing exemplary courage. But patrolling borders isn’t easy, especially in tough terrains, which is why our defence forces use some of the very capable vehicles. These vehicles not only help them travel on the ground but many of them are also designed to carry the troops safely by offering high-grade armour protection. And then there are some combat-ready vehicles loaded with ammunition to help our soldiers battle the enemy. Let’s quickly take a look at some of the vehicles that are used by the Indian army and other defence forces in India.

1. Mahindra MPV-I

An astonishing personal carrier used by the Indian military force is Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle-I (MPV-I). It is a mine-resistant ambush-protected armoured personnel carrier and a hardcore off-road vehicle. This vehicle was specifically designed in 2010 to protect Indian forces while conducting anti-terrorism and anti-Naxalite operations in hilly terrains. According to Mahindra, the MPV-I offers side protection against 10 kg improvised explosive device while the under-carriage can withstand 21 kg TNT explosion directly under any wheel.

2. Tata Merlin

Tata Merlin is a light armoured multi-role vehicle (LAMV). It includes STANAG 4569 Level-1 protection on the sides and rear and can withstand grenade and mine blasts. It has a 7.6 mm medium machine gun turret on the roof and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. It is also well-equipped with anti-tank missiles which indeed make it a remarkable vehicle. However, these specifications can be customized as per the defence force’s requirements. 

3. Renault Sherpa

The Renault Sherpa Light family of tactical vehicles is actually used by multiple defence forces in India, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Though we don’t know which variants of the Sherpa Light family our defence forces use, we can tell you that each iteration features an especially-designed 4×4 chassis and delivers high levels of payload, mobility, and protection.

4. Mahinda Meva Straton Plus APC

The Meva Straton Plus is another well-built personal carrier manufactured by Mahindra. It offers complete protection from explosions and ballistics and is specifically designed for the defence forces. This giant v-shaped personal carrier comes in two variants — LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) and LTV (Light Tactical Vehicle). It can carry 10 to 12 personnel and has a powerful 6.7-litre engine.

5. Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

The car joined the Indian Army’s fleet all the way back in 1985 — the same year it was launched in India. Though Maruti Suzuki ceased production of the Gypsy for the masses in 2018, the iconic SUV got a new lease of life when the Indian Army acquired a waiver from the Ministry of Defence so as to allow the company to produce additional units for our country’s forces. As a matter of fact, the carmaker delivered Gypsy’s 700 units to the Indian army in June 2020. 

6. Mahindra Marksman

Mahindra Defence Systems has made several armoured vehicles for defence forces, including the Mahindra Marksman. It is an armoured capsule-based light bulletproof vehicle that can seat a total of six people. This vehicle not only offers protection against small firearms but also grenade attacks. Mahindra Marksman is armoured to ‘Level B6’ and gets a Cuppola machine gun mount with ‘270-degree traverse and protection’. Besides that, it also gets five side armouring of the passenger compartment that enables protection against 5.56 x 45 mm SS109 ammo.

7. Royal Enfield Bullet 

Perhaps the most prominent Indian motorcycle of all time, the Royal Enfield Bullet has been a long-time companion of the Indian Army. This started way back in 1952 when the Indian Army gave an order of 500 units of Bullet 350 to the motorcycle maker demanding durability, reliability, and adequate performance over challenging terrains. To date, Royal Enfield continues to be the preferred choice for the Indian army.