Indian Army to Showcase Indigenous Arsenal at Republic Day Parade
The Indian Army is set to highlight its commitment to indigenization during the upcoming Republic Day parade on 26 January 2025. The majority of the equipment on display will be domestically manufactured, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defense production.
Key Indigenous Systems on Display
Among the prominent indigenous weapon systems to be showcased are:
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Developed jointly by India and Russia, the BrahMos missile is renowned for its speed and precision, serving as a formidable asset in India’s defense arsenal.
Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System: This medium-range mobile defense system is designed to neutralize aerial threats, including fighter jets and drones.
Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile: An indigenously developed missile capable of destroying modern main battle tanks equipped with advanced armor.
Pinaka Rocket Launcher: A multi-barrel rocket launch system capable of delivering a salvo of rockets, providing effective area saturation. Notably, India exported the first batch of Pinaka systems to Armenia in November 2024.
Additionally, the GRAD BM-21, a Russian-origin rocket launcher, will be part of the display, reflecting the integration of both indigenous and imported systems in the Army’s arsenal.
Advanced Surveillance and Mobility Systems
The parade will also feature the Battlefield Surveillance System, a mobile automated platform that integrates inputs from various surveillance devices to enhance situational awareness on the battlefield.
In terms of mobility and support, the following will be showcased:
Advanced Light Helicopter-Weapon Systems Integrated (ALH-WSI): A versatile helicopter equipped with modern weaponry for combat support.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): Designed for high-altitude operations, the LCH adds significant value to India’s combat capabilities.
Tanks and Vehicles: The T-90 tanks, along with BMP-2 and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, will be on display. Other vehicles include Light Specialist Vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles, Specialist Mobility Vehicles, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles, and the Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar.
Cultural and Ceremonial Highlights
Beyond the display of military hardware, the parade will feature traditional elements such as horse-mounted units, motorcycle displays, and a demonstration of a 10-meter short span bridge, showcasing the Army’s engineering prowess.
Participation of Other Armed Forces
The Indian Air Force and Navy will also contribute to the Republic Day celebrations with their respective tableaux and aerial displays, demonstrating the integrated strength of India’s military.
Chief Guest and Parade Theme
As reported earlier, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to be the chief guest for the 2025 Republic Day parade. The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, reflecting the nation’s golden heritage and progress.
Fifteen states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat, will showcase their cultural and developmental tableaux, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the event.
