Kamal Ghorui
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently took a close look at Mahindra’s new tactical ATV based on the Mahindra Thar Roxx platform during the Raksha Triveni Sangam event in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The rugged off-road machine drew attention at the defence technology showcase, which was organised jointly by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.The Mahindra ATV had already created buzz after Anand Mahindra shared images of the vehicle on social media earlier, and it now appears to be one of the latest additions to Mahindra’s growing defence mobility portfolio.Based on the visuals shared by Anand Mahindra, the ATV looks like a heavily modified version of the Thar Roxx designed specifically for tactical and military applications. The SUV’s regular body panels have largely been replaced by a stripped-back structure focused on functionality and durability. It gets a full tubular roll cage covering the cabin and rear section, while the doors and roof have been removed completely to reduce weight and improve accessibility in combat situations.The vehicle rides on chunky off-road tyres wrapped around steel wheels, and the raised stance suggests suspension modifications for rough terrain use. At the front, it features a heavy-duty bumper equipped with a winch, recovery hooks and additional mounting points. The bonnet also appears to get multiple utility mounts for carrying equipment.
The rear section has been extensively reworked and now features an open skeletal frame with modular storage areas. It also gets jerry can mounts on the rear door and provisions for carrying extra equipment and supplies. Other visible elements include side step guards, exposed hinges and tow hooks.Inside, the cabin features basic seating and almost no luxury features seen on the standard Thar Roxx. The ATV is designed to be airdrop-ready, hinting at possible airborne deployment capabilities for military operations.Mahindra has not officially revealed the technical specifications of the vehicle yet. However, it could use the same powertrain options available with the Thar Roxx. These include a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 172 hp and 370 Nm of torque, along with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 174 hp and 380 Nm. The defence-spec version is expected to feature a four-wheel-drive setup and could receive different tuning depending on operational requirements.
