DRDO's Missile 'Pralay' To Be Showcased On Republic Day

New Delhi:: Some of the cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash will be part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path with Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay' set to be showcased in the ceremonial parade for the first time, officials said on Thursday.

India will display its military prowess and vibrant culture heritage on the majestic boulevard here on January 26, and the flypast will feature 40 IAF aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard. Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area will be the Parade Commander while Parade Second-in-Command would be Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, Maj Gen Sumit Mehta.

Interacting with mediapersons here soon after the completion of the full dress rehearsal of the parade, Maj Gen Mehta said the solemn event will showcase India's military prowess with a number of cutting-edge platforms, a range of vibrant tableaux as well as the country's rich heritage.

T-90 'Bhishma' tanks, BrahMos and Pinaka missile systems, Akash weapon system, Sarath (Infantry Carrying Vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system 'Agnibaan', and 'Bajrang' (Light Specialist Vehicle) will take part in the parade. Asked what factors were kept in mind while lending names to such platforms such as 'Agnibaan' and 'Bajrang', the COS, Delhi Area said, "Specialised vehicles made under 'Atmanirbhat Bharat' vision earlier reflected their capabilities, such as all-terrain vehicles, specialised mobility vehicle.

We have given them names, they were not christened earlier. When they were being named, our cultural heritage was also acknowledged through the names." Asked which platforms are taking part in the Republic Day celebrations for the first time, Maj Gen Mehta said, Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's 'Pralay' weapon system will be seen in the parade for tehe first time. The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents, officials said. The mounted column will be represented by the 61 Cavalry.

The marching columns will consist of contingents from Brigade of the Guards contingent, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles Regiment, J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment and a contingent of the Corps of Engineers. While 75 years of enactment of the Constitution is the focus of Republic Day celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.