Historic Milestone: All-women tri-services group to shine in 75th Republic Day Parade, IAF Flypast and more
A notable aspect of this year’s celebration is the significant involvement of women. (Credit: ADGPI)
For the very first time, an all-women tri-services group will be participating in the Republic Day Parade. This historic inclusion encompasses women troops from the Army’s military police, as well as personnel from the other two services. Notably, two living Param Vir Chakra awardees, Hony Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, are set to actively take part in the Republic Day festivities.
The 75th Republic Day procession at Kartavya Path, scheduled for January 26th, will put a special focus on women’s contributions, Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area told media persons on Tuesday.
According to him, “The overarching themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ aim to highlight the nation’s progress and the essence of democracy. Starting at 10:30 am from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path, the parade will be led by Delhi Area Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar.” The total time for the parade will be 100 minutes starting at 10.30 AM, he stated.
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Major General Mehta shed light on various noteworthy aspects of the Republic Day Parade. A significant highlight is the participation of the French contingent, which includes Indian and Nepali personnel. This contingent will march, accompanied by a French refuelling plane and two Rafale fighter jets soaring overhead.
The inclusion of new-generation vehicles, such as Terrain Vehicles, Light Specialist Vehicles, and Special Mobility Vehicles, adds a modern touch to the parade.
The flypast will feature the ALH Dhruv Rudra and LCH Prachand, along with 51 aircraft from the Indian Air Force, including fighters, helicopters, and transport planes, with 15 women among the crew.
Aahvan Ceremony
Beyond the military display, the Aahvan ceremony, involving the traditional blowing of Shankhs (conch shells), is expected to captivate the audience.
French President is the Chief Guest
French President Emmanuel Macron’s presence as the chief guest adds a diplomatic dimension to the celebration, marking the sixth time a French president has received this honour. The French contingent’s involvement in the Republic Day Parade for the second time further solidifies the strong ties between India and France.
Women Participation
A notable aspect of this year’s celebration is the significant involvement of women. With an emphasis on gender inclusivity, an all-women tri-services contingent will not only participate but take center stage in the parade. This aligns with the broader goal of inclusivity, as reflected in the invitation of around 13,000 Special Guests from various walks of life. The government’s vision of Jan Bhagidari, or people’s participation, resonates strongly in this diverse representation.
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IAF & Flypast & More
The upcoming Republic Day flypast will feature the impressive ‘Tangail’ formation, consisting of the heritage aircraft Dakota flanked by two Dornier Do-228 planes. Notably, these Dornier aircraft will be powered by a blended mixture of Aviation Turbine Fuel and Biofuel, showcasing the Indian Air Force’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices.
The ‘Tangail’ formation seeks to recreate the historic airdrop of Indian Air Force personnel on December 11, 1971, marking a significant moment during the India-Pakistan war when Indian forces conducted their first parachute drop on hostile territory.
Adding to the parade’s highlights will be a display of cutting-edge, made-in-India weapon systems and platforms from the Indian Army. Among them, the LCH Prachand helicopter, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Nag anti-tank missiles will take centre stage.
The LCH Prachand, developed and manufactured by HAL, stands out as the country’s first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter. With formidable ground attack and aerial combat capabilities, it boasts modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection, and a potent night attack capability. Equipped with advanced navigation systems, close combat guns, and powerful air-to-air missiles, the LCH is tailored for the demands of the modern battlefield.
The Nag missile, developed by DRDO, is designed to engage heavily fortified enemy tanks in various conditions. It possesses “Fire & Forget” and “Top Attack” capabilities, utilizing passive homing guidance to defeat Main Battle Tanks equipped with composite and reactive armour. The missile is deployed on the NAMICA carrier, a BMP II based system with amphibious capability.
Highlighting the parade’s commitment to indigenous innovation, the latest armoured and specialist vehicles produced by the Indian industry will also take part.
Notable entries include the Quick Fighting Reaction Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicle, and the All-Terrain Vehicle, all marching proudly on the Kartavya Path. The weaponry display encompasses a diverse range, featuring the T-90 tank, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, Drone jammers, Advanced Sarvatra bridge, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile launcher, and multi-function radar.
The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), an indigenously designed system, stands out for its capability to locate guns, mortars, and rockets firing near its own troops. This capability facilitates counter bombardment, ensuring the destruction of enemy firepower resources and allowing troops to execute their operational tasks without interference. Alongside, the parade will showcase the weaponized version of the ALH Dhruv choppers, also known as the Rudra, reinforcing the Indian Army’s aerial firepower.
The parade will proudly feature the Pinaka rocket system and the Swathi radar, both successfully exported to foreign customers by Indian entities. Developed by DRDO, the Pinaka Rocket System’s enhanced range version can engage targets at distances up to 45 kms. It is a collaborative effort between Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).
India-France Military Relations
The two countries have been conducting several military exercises jointly. Recently, the Air Forces of both countries concluded Ex GARUDA.
French Contingent
Adding an international flavor to the Republic Day Parade is the arrival of 130 personnel from the French Foreign Legion. Captain Loïc Alexandre, representing the Legion, expressed pride in the invitation extended to the French army. He highlighted the successful collaboration witnessed last year during the French National Day, where the Indian Army participated.
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Captain Alexandre thanked the Indian armed forces for their warm welcome and disclosed details about the French Foreign Legion’s contingent. Comprising 130 personnel from the Infantry Regiment, the second foreign infantry regiment based in the South of France, and a 30-member marching band, they are set to march on Kartavya Path on Republic Day.
Captain Louis, who will lead the French contingent, emphasized the participation of women in their army, with a Lieutenant Colonel from the French Air Force partaking in the Republic Day Parade. This significant representation underscores the shared values of gender equality between the two nations.