The 580cc engine was developed so that battlefield vehicles could all use the same kind of fuel, and the unit was shown last week at a military vehicles of the future presentation, mounted on a Kawasaki bike.

The export potential of the engine was clearly shown by the livery of the bike, which was that of the US Marine Corps.

However, biking enthusiasts who are familiar with the Royal Enfield name and know that its famous bikes are now produced in India will be awar that diesel-engined bikes have for a long time been produced there. The latest is the Taurus (right) which has a 325cc engine outputting 6.5bhp at 3600rpm

Also shown at the military presentation were a truck and a Jaguar S Type with night vision equipment. What on earth would the army being doing with a Jaguar S on the battlefield?