Drones, long-range weapons, Op Sindoor tableau in focus at Republic Day parade

A range of drones, loitering munitions, long-range weapons and a special tableau depicting Operation Sindoor will be among the highlights of the Republic Day parade on Monday.

The 77th Republic Day celebrations will see several weapons that have been acquired by the armed forces in the last few weeks, under emergency procurement powers in the aftermath of hostilities with Pakistan. These include an Israeli-origin multi-barrel rocket launcher, European and Israeli origin drones and loitering munitions, locally developed swarm drones, indigenous artillery guns and a range of unmanned systems like robotic dogs and autonomous ground vehicles. A key highlight of the parade will be the DRDO developed Long Range Anti-Ship Missile. Designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy, the LR-AShM is a Hypersonic Glide Missile capable of engaging static and moving targets. Firing tests of the missile are currently being undertaken by DRDO.

In honour of the chief guests this year, the parade will also feature a European Union (EU) contingent that will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies -- the EU flag, the European Union Military Staff flag; the EU Naval Force Atalanta flag and the EU Naval Force Aspides flag.


In a first, the parade will showcase a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component. This would show how the army goes into battle and will feature an indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle, which would be given support by the Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version Rudra.