Jonga

The Jonga was a Nissan designed vehicle used by the Indian Army. Jonga was an acronym for Jabalpur Ordnance aNd Guncarriage Assembly.

In 1960 Nissan introduced their new 4x4 called the P60 i.e. Patrol 60. The vehicle was available in two wheelbases and three body types. The P60 was inducted by the Indian Armed forces in 1963-64, along with the Nissan Carrier, D4W73 1 Ton. Both vehicles were fitted with the same engine. These vehicles were built by the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of Ordnance Factories Board under an exclusive license from Nissan for the Indian Army. Hence the P60 came to be known as the Jabalpur Ordnance aNd Guncarriage Assembly - JONGA. Jonga went on to acquire an iconic status within the Indian Army with its high ground clearance and powerful engine. The vehicle was modified to suit several military requirements i.e. ambulance, signal vehicle/rovers and recovery vehicles. Jonga was very successful on the mountainous terrain, later the Indian Army participated in several expeditions and rallies with the same vehicle. The engine of this vehicle was often referred to as a bulletproof engine, as this was a very rugged engine with almost nil mechanical problems.