1 hour ago
3
ARTICLE AD BOX
Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade that will last around 90 minutes, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.
The Army’s Bhairav Light Commando Battalion that was raised recently will make its debut in the Republic Day Parade this January 26, along with display of various indigenous military platforms in a phased battle array formation.
Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade that will last around 90 minutes, the Defence Ministry said on Friday. Thirty tableaux — 17 from various states and Union Territories (UTs), and 13 from ministries and services — will roll down the Kartavya Path.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will be the chief guests.
The flypast at the ceremonial event will showcase Rafale, Su-30, P8I, MiG-29, Apache, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), Mi-17 helicopters and transport aircraft C-130 and C-295, senior officials said on Friday. LCA Tejas will not feature in the parade this year.
Addressing the media, Defence Secretary R K Singh said the defence assets that will be showcased will include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and a static display of some drones.
The aerial component will also be shown in the battle array formation. An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels and dogs will also be part of the parade, the ministry said.
150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be the focus of this year’s Republic Day Parade. Enclosure backdrops on the Kartavya Path will bear old paintings illustrating the opening stanzas of the National Song and floral artworks at the main stage will pay homage to its composer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
English (US) ·