India's military might on show this Republic Day

New Delhi, Jan 24: India is all set to show its might and power to the world this Republic Day on Jan 26. The R-day parade will definitely be a proud moment for Indians across the globe when India showcases its various achievements in the area of defence technology, including the latest indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) that debuted in the skies recently.

The trainer version of the LCA will be displayed on a tableau at the parade. The BrahMos cruise missile will also be displayed in all its might. The missile is a Indo-Russian joint venture that has a target range of 290 km and is said to be only one of its kind that can touch supersonic speed up to Mach-3 (three times the speed of sound).

India's military might will be witnessed in full splendour by the President, Prime Minister, and Ministers in the government apart from other dignitaries. The Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be the Chief Guest in this years Republic Day.

The Indian Air Force will show its strength with a 25-aircraft fly past, including front line Sukhois, Jaguars and MiG-29s that will blaze the skies this year. The army will join in with three indigenous 'Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) from its aviation wing as well.

"Marching contingents on the Rajpath would include mounted troops from 61 Cavalry, mechanised columns and eight regiments of the army, navy, air force, coast guard and other paramilitary forces," the parade's second-in-command and Deputy General Officer Commanding of Army's Delhi Area Brigadier Kuldeep Singh said. The parade commander will be the Delhi Area General Officer Commanding Major General Manvendra Singh.

The parade will begin with the national salute and awarding of the Ashok Chakra to Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, who lost his life fighting a suicide bomber in the Indian Embassy, Kabul. "The parade would begin with the three Param Vir Chakra awardees marching on Rajpath, followed by the mounted cavalry troops, mechanised columns and other marching contingents," Colonel AS Mahela said while briefing the media on the parade.

OneIndia News