As the demand for a modern, lightweight 4x4 grew, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) decided to replace the Gypsy with the Jimny. On February 7, 2025, a special flag-off ceremony was held at the ITBP Headquarters in New Delhi, where 60 Jimny SUVs were handed over to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The iconic Gypsy was first introduced to the military in 1985. Over time, it became the backbone of defense mobility, known for its off-road prowess and lightweight agility. While public sales of the Gypsy stopped in 2018, it continued to serve the police and armed forces.

Meanwhile, Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio were fine-tuned for the army. These SUVs got rugged builds, reinforced suspensions, and military-grade specs. But they were never true off-roaders like the Gypsy.

Now, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) are replacing the Gypsy with the Jimny. The reasons are simple:

Why Jimny and Not Scorpio or Safari?

Agility: Narrow, steep, and tricky paths? Jimny fits where bigger SUVs struggle.

4WD Power: Comes with ALLGRIP PRO (4x4), a ladder frame chassis, and solid axles. Perfect for off-road combat.

Lightweight & Practical: Remote villages along the borders have narrow streets. A bulky SUV like Scorpio just won’t cut it.

Extreme Weather Ready: High-altitude, sub-zero temperatures? No problem. Jimny thrives in -45°C in Ladakh & Arunachal.

Who Attended the Handover Ceremony?

The event saw the presence of top officials, including:

Mr. Abdul Ghani Mir (IPS) – Additional Director General (HQ), ITBP Mr. Partho Banerjee – Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited

Both leaders spoke about the importance of reliable off-road vehicles in extreme conditions. Jimny, with its Never Turn Back tagline, symbolizes the resilience and commitment of India’s border forces.