Pralay Missile Set To Debut At Republic Day Parade: India To Showcase Its Defense Prowess

India's indigenous short-range surface-to-surface missile, Pralay, will make its maiden appearance at this year's Republic Day parade, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities.

RK Singh Confirms

Defense Secretary RK Singh announced the inclusion of Pralay, which boasts a range of 150-500 km and has undergone extensive developmental trials under DRDO. With plans to induct 250 of these missiles into India's future rocket force, the weapon symbolizes the country's advancing military technology, according to a report in Deccan Herald.

This year's parade, commemorating 75 years since the enactment of the Indian Constitution, promises a grand spectacle. Over 5,000 dancers will perform along the entire Kartavya Path, offering a continuous cultural display from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, a departure from previous years where performances were restricted to the presidential dais area.

For the first time, a unified triservice tableau will be featured, highlighting the theme of jointness among India's armed forces. However, the Indian Navy will still have a separate tableau. The Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, a staple of past flypasts, will be absent this year due to its grounding, which Singh acknowledged as a setback, the report added.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subinato will grace the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by a 160-member Indonesian marching contingent and a 190-member band. While his visit has sparked speculation about a potential sale of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia, Singh clarified that there is no direct connection.

The parade will also pay tribute to India's rich heritage and achievements with special tableaux celebrating the 150th birth anniversaries of tribal leader Birsa Munda and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as well as the 150th year of the India Meteorological Department. In total, 31 tableaux will be showcased, including 16 from states and 15 from central ministries.

Huge Turnout

The event is set to draw over 77,000 visitors, with more than 32,000 tickets already sold and special invitations extended to 10,000 notable guests, including sarpanches from villages that excelled in implementing Union government schemes.

The Republic Day parade promises to be a spectacular showcase of India's cultural, historical, and technological progress, capped by the highly anticipated debut of the Pralay missile.