A grand Army Day parade was held on the public streets of Jaipur for the first time on Thursday, highlighting the skill, courage and discipline of the armed forces. This marked the first occasion when Army Day celebrations were held publicly in Jaipur, outside the army camp area, ANI reported.
The Army Day parade showcased various mechanized units, infantry units, paratroopers and other modern capabilities of the army.
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As reported by PTI at an Army Day press conference, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi said, “I salute the soldiers, veterans, officials and civilians associated with Army Day. We bow to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The large presence of people shows the deep bond between the Army and the public. Your support cheers our soldiers.”
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The parade showcased the newly raised Bhairav battalion, which was part of the recent restructuring of the army and drew operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor, ANI reported.
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The Bhairav battalion is placed between the Para special forces and the regular infantry units. The battalion has been upgraded to meet the demands of modern warfare to provide a rapid and accurate offensive solution against enemy threats to the nation.
The battalion, in its first public appearance, came out stamping its feet on the concrete and shouting its war cry with its face painted.
“Warriors of the battalion, fearless, protecting day and night, remain steadfast and protect our lands,” the announcer said as Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan Anil Chauhan saluted the entire parade.
Several other units including Garhwal Scouts, Sikkim Scouts and Arunachal Scouts also marched around the saluting stage in full gear.
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Girls Marching Contingent, led by Chief Warrant Officer Kavitha Kumawar, symbolizing the strength of the nation’s youth, was proudly presented.
The Army also demonstrated its advanced capabilities, with robotic dogs and all-terrain vehicles preceded by the BrahMos missile, India’s long-range ram-propelled supersonic missile.
Highlighting its artificial intelligence, drones and technical capabilities, the Army showcased its ‘Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), with the contingent led by 401 Light AAV Regiment Captain Priya Yadav.
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IDDIS identifies airborne threats and then designates them as “soft” or “hard” kills and either destroys or jams them accordingly.
Combat drones led by Major Anhad Singh Chatadar of 624 AAV Battalion were also showcased.
The Indian Army’s ‘Drone Shakti’ initiative was also highlighted, showing several drones carried for display on a vehicle and led by Major Arun Kumar of the 10 Corps workshop. The initiative integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, as part of the indigenous drone manufacturing program.
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Other systems on display also included the upgraded BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launcher and the SMERCH system, which can fire 12 300mm missiles at a range of up to 90 kilometers, ANI reported.
Artillery platforms such as the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System and the M777 ultralight howitzer will also be part of the exhibit. Other weapon systems were also presented at the show.
Air defense capabilities on display included the indigenous Akashteer system with its medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), which proved their effectiveness in a high-risk environment during Operation Sindoor by downing various drone systems of Turkish and Chinese origin operated by Pakistan, and have since attracted global interest as proven platforms. The Igla portable air defense system was part of the exhibition.
(With input from agencies)
