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The Indian Army is set to enhance the operational capabilities of its elite Special Forces with a new order for 50 indigenously manufactured Light Strike Vehicles (LSVs).
The follow-on contract has been awarded to Force Motors, a Pune-based automotive company, reaffirming the military's trust in the homegrown platform.
This recent acquisition is part of a broader push to modernise the armed forces' vehicle fleet. It follows a significant contract placed in July 2025 for nearly 3,000 vehicles based on the Force Gurkha platform.\
Such procurements underscore India’s commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policy, which prioritises strengthening the national defence manufacturing base and reducing reliance on imported military hardware.
The Light Strike Vehicle was developed entirely in India by the research and development team at Force Motors to meet the specific and demanding requirements of the Army.
Built upon the rugged chassis of the civilian Force Gurkha 4×4, the LSV is engineered for high-speed performance and stability across varied and challenging landscapes, from the scorching deserts of Rajasthan, where temperatures can reach 50°C, to the freezing high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas at -30°C.
Its design facilitates the quick entry and exit of troops, a critical feature for special operations.
To ensure success in hostile environments, the vehicle is equipped with several key tactical features.
Its robust 4×4 configuration, complete with differential locks on all wheels and a high ground clearance of 233 mm, provides exceptional off-road performance.
The inclusion of run-flat tyres is crucial, as it allows soldiers to continue their mission even after sustaining punctures deep inside enemy territory.
Furthermore, the LSV features integrated weapon mounts capable of carrying automatic machine guns, rocket launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), providing significant firepower to assault squads.
A key strategic advantage of the LSV is its air-transportable design.
The vehicle's lightweight construction allows it to be airlifted and airdropped by the Indian Air Force's transport fleet, including heavy-lift helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook. This capability enables the rapid deployment of specialised troops and equipment into remote or contested areas.
Before its initial induction, the vehicle platform successfully completed over two years of rigorous field trials, proving its reliability and performance under extreme conditions.
