New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) The BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, the Surjastra deep-strike missile system and the Arjun main battle tank will be among the key military platforms that India will showcase during the Republic Parade at the Kartavya Trail on Monday.
The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and the Shaktiban Regiment, Zanskar ponies and two-humped camels will be part of the ceremonial event for the first time, officials said.
In another first, members of the 61 Cavalry Mounted Contingent will be seen in battle gear, while key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Trail in a “phase cluster formation”.
The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence, with its members wearing ceremonial uniform and conspicuous headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the Armed Forces in the ceremonial procession.
India will showcase its development journey, cultural diversity and military might, including newly built units and mock-ups of major weapons systems deployed during Operation Sindoor, at the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday, officials said.
The main theme of the event will be 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the ceremony, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes.
The Indian Army’s phased “battlefield format” on display will include an airborne component that will feature a highly mobile reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first self-designed armored light special vehicle.
Air support would be provided by the original advanced light helicopter Dhruv and its armed version the Rudra in the Prahar formation, which demonstrates battlefield shaping, officials said.
This will be followed by combat elements with the T-90 Bhisma and Arjun main battle tank rolling around the saluting stage with air support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light attack helicopters.
Other mechanized columns will include the BMP-II infantry fighting vehicle and the Mk-2 Nag (tracked) missile system.
Other defense assets to be showcased at the show include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Divyastra battery and a static display of some drones.
Suryastra’s Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS), which can conduct surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will be unveiled at the show, officials said.
The parade will also see the debut of the Shaktiban regiment, which was established in the artillery, equipped with drones, anti-drones and loitering ammunition.
A tri-service display featuring replicas of the major weapon systems deployed by the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be the main attraction of the parade.
The image will represent India’s determination to respond forcefully to national security challenges, officials said. Also rolling along the Kartavya Path will be an integrated glass-encased operations center that depicts Operation Sindoor in brief.
While the Brahmos missile dealt lethal blows to the enemy during the operation, the Akash and S-400 missile systems provided a protective shield.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will showcase its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic cruise missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets, designed to carry a variety of payloads, officials said.
The flyover, one of the most anticipated events of the show, will be attended by 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.
These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft complemented by strategic assets – C-130 and C-295 as well as Indian Navy P-8i aircraft.
Formations include Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay.
The main guests of the event will be the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
