Op Sindoor Tri-services tableau steals spotlight at R-Day, shows combat power

A massive tri-services tableau on Operation Sindoor, complete with replicas of missiles, tanks and an integrated command centre, emerged as the defining feature of India’s 77th Republic Day parade on Sunday, showcasing the armed forces’ ability to conduct swift, coordinated and high-impact military operations.

Rolling down Kartavya Path, the tableau showcased how the Army, Navy and Air Force worked in unison during the operation launched in May last year, sending out a clear message of deterrence and preparedness amid evolving security challenges.

President Droupadi Murmu took the salute in the presence of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as political and military leaders witnessed the rare public display of India’s joint warfare capability.

INTEGRATED COMMAND AT THE CORE

At the heart of the Operation Sindoor tableau was a glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting real-time surveillance, target acquisition and mission execution.

Large digital panels illustrated how battlefield data from satellites, drones and radar systems was fused to guide precision strikes and defensive responses.

Replicas of BrahMos cruise missiles, Akash air defence systems and S-400 units formed the backbone of the display, reflecting the dual focus on deep-strike capability and airspace protection.

A senior defence official said, “The tableau represents how future conflicts will be fought through seamless coordination and real-time intelligence.”

FROM RETALIATION TO DETERRENCE

Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7 after the killing of over two dozen tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in a terror attack.

Indian forces carried out coordinated strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, triggering a four-day military confrontation.

During the conflict, Pakistan attempted missile attacks on Indian cities, which were intercepted by India’s layered air defence network.

Hostilities were paused on May 10 after Pakistani commanders sought a ceasefire, officials said.

“The operation established credible deterrence and demonstrated India’s readiness to escalate if provoked,” an officer associated with the mission said.

WEAPON SYSTEMS ON DISPLAY

The Operation Sindoor tableau featured scaled models of key platforms used during the campaign, including:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for precision strikes
• Akash and MRSAM systems for air defence
• Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System
• T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun
• Nag missile system Mk-2

These were positioned to recreate a live battlefield layout, showing the sequencing of reconnaissance, attack and area domination.

The arrangement reflected the transition of Indian forces from platform-centric warfare to network-enabled operations.

TRI-SERVICES COORDINATION IN ACTION

The tableau was followed by a phased battle array formation, extending the theme of Operation Sindoor beyond static display.

The Army’s armoured and mechanised columns advanced in sync with Dhruv and Rudra helicopters, while Apache and Prachand aircraft simulated close air support.

Simultaneously, overhead formations of Rafale, Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 jets represented air dominance achieved during the operation.

“This is the first time the public is seeing how all three services fight as one force,” a parade official said.

TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE WARFARE

The Defence Research and Development Organisation reinforced the Operation Sindoor narrative by showcasing the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile LR-AShM.

Officials said the missile’s indigenous avionics and sensor systems represented the next phase of India’s deterrence strategy.

Drone, counter-drone and loiter munition units from the newly-raised Shaktiban Regiment also underlined the growing role of unmanned systems in future conflicts.

STRATEGIC MESSAGING TO THE WORLD

Defence analysts said the prominence given to Operation Sindoor, in the presence of European leaders and foreign diplomats, was a deliberate strategic signal.

“The parade conveyed that India is no longer limited to defensive postures. It has demonstrated credible offensive reach and joint operational maturity,” said a former senior military commander.

The participation of a European Union military contingent further reinforced India’s expanding defence partnerships.

PUBLIC RESPONSE AND OFFICIAL ASSESSMENT

Spectators lining Kartavya Path responded with prolonged applause as the Operation Sindoor tableau passed the saluting dais, with many capturing the moment on mobile phones.

Officials said the response reflected growing public interest in the armed forces’ operational capabilities.

“The tableau is not about showcasing weapons alone. It tells the story of planning, coordination and execution,” an official said.

SYMBOL OF A NEW MILITARY DOCTRINE

According to defence officials, Operation Sindoor has become a reference point for India’s evolving military doctrine, emphasising speed, precision and escalation control.

“The message is simple: any attack on Indian civilians will invite a swift and decisive response,” an official said.

As the tableau moved past, flanked by armoured columns and fighter aircraft overhead, it reinforced the central theme of this year’s parade: a confident, capable and combat-ready India.

- Ends

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