India’s military prowess was on full display at the grand Republic Day parade along New Delhi’s Kartavya Path as the nation celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday.
The armed forces presented an impressive aerial demonstration featuring advanced attack helicopters, including the RUDRA, Apache AH-64E, and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
RUDRA, India’s premier battlefield force multiplier, is designed to provide lethal close air support by neutralising enemy infantry, armoured vehicles, tanks, and even hostile helicopters.
The Apache AH-64E, equipped with the Longbow Fire Control Radar, Hellfire missiles, a 30-mm chain gun, rockets, and air-to-air missiles, has demonstrated its capability for day-night, all-terrain precision strikes. The helicopter can destroy enemy tanks at ranges of up to eight kilometres.
The LCH Prachand, developed specifically for high-altitude warfare, offers reconnaissance, precision fire support, and rapid response capabilities, significantly enhancing the combat effectiveness of ground forces in challenging terrain.
The T-90 Bhishma main battle tank, commanded by Captain Vipanjot Singh Virk of the 77 Armoured Regiment, showcased its formidable firepower and mobility. The mechanised column, recently upgraded with enhanced firepower, improved mobility, and drone-enabled surveillance, has proven its effectiveness in high-altitude environments and during Operation Sindoor.
The indigenously developed Arjun Mk I Main Battle Tank, led by Major Hitesh Mehta of the 75 Armoured Regiment, was also featured in the parade.
A glass-encased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) depicting the execution of Operation Sindoor drew special attention. The display highlighted the operation’s success and the seamless coordination among India’s armed forces. India’s S-400 air defence system, which played a critical role during the operation, was also showcased.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 8 last year, conducting airstrikes on nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried out in response to the Pahalgam attack in April, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 people, most of them tourists, in the scenic village.
Under the Combat Support Elements segment, Divyastra and Shaktibaan were showcased, underscoring the Indian Army’s focus on indigenisation and modernisation. Both systems are equipped with swarm drones, tethered drone systems, and the indigenously developed hybrid UAV ZOLT, used for artillery fire direction.