India to display military strength at Republic day parade (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: India will showcase a wide range of indigenous and frontline military platforms, including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, Main Battle Tank Arjun and the Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’ during the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path on Monday.At the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Army will also debut several newly-raised units and formations, reflecting the country’s growing military capability and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion, the Shaktiban Regiment, as well as Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will take part in the ceremonial parade for the first time, news agency PTI reported. Marking another first, the mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry will appear in full battle gear, departing from its traditional ceremonial attire. Army columns, including key indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, will move along Kartavya Path in a phased “battle array formation”, officials said.Traditionally, the leading armed forces contingent at the parade, the 61 Cavalry, is known for its imposing presence and distinctive ceremonial headgear. This year’s display, however, will emphasise operational readiness alongside tradition.According to officials, the Republic Day celebrations will highlight India’s development journey, cultural diversity and military strength. The overarching theme of the event will be “150 years of Vande Mataram”.President Droupadi Murmu will lead the ceremony, which will begin at 10.30 am and last for about 90 minutes.The Indian Army’s phased battle array will include an aerial component featuring a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle. Providing aerial support will be the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra, flying in Prahar formation to demonstrate battlefield shaping.The combat segment will follow with T-90 Bhisma tanks and the indigenous Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais, supported from the air by Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and the Prachand light combat helicopter.Other mechanised columns will include the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2. A range of major defence assets will also be displayed, including the BrahMos cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Divyastra Battery and a static display of select drones.The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) Suryastra, capable of carrying out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will be showcased for the first time. The parade will also see the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, an artillery unit equipped with drones, counter-drone systems and loitering munitions.A tri-services tableau depicting replicas of major weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be a major attraction. Officials said that the tableau will symbolise India’s resolve to respond decisively to national security challenges. A glass-cased integrated operational centre, offering a brief depiction of Operation Sindoor, will also roll down Kartavya Path.During the operation, BrahMos missiles delivered decisive strikes, while Akash missile systems and the S-400 air defence system provided a protective shield.The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also showcase the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets and designed to carry multiple payloads.The aerial fly-past, one of the most anticipated segments of the parade, will feature 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. Participating aircraft include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, along with transport and surveillance assets such as the C-130, C-295 and the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft. The fly-past will be carried out in formations named Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay.The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations. Go to Source
