New Delhi [India], January 26 (ANI): India’s mechanised and Special Forces capabilities were on full display on Monday as the nation celebrated its 77th Republic Day, showcasing advanced defence technology, battlefield readiness, and a strong commitment to self-reliance along Kartavya Path.
Leading the mechanised column was the formidable T-90 Bhishma, commanded by Captain Vipanjot Singh Virk of the 77 Armoured Regiment. Built on the Hunter-Killer concept, the tank is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, machine guns, and laser-guided missiles capable of engaging targets up to five kilometres away. Recently upgraded with enhanced firepower, mobility, and drone-enabled surveillance, the T-90 Bhishma has demonstrated its effectiveness in high-altitude conditions and during Operation SINDOOR. Raised on June 1, 1972, the regiment operates under the motto ‘Vijay Ya Veergati’.
The indigenously developed Arjun Mk I Main Battle Tank, led by Major Hitesh Mehta of the 75 Armoured Regiment, also featured prominently. Armed with a 120-mm rifled gun, advanced fire-control and sighting systems, and protected by Kanchan armour along with Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection, the Arjun reflects India’s focus on indigenous capability and modern battlefield readiness.
The BMP-II also carried advanced systems including Asteria AT-15, an indigenously developed Vertical Take-off and Landing ISR drone, Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loitering Munition (CALM), and Tactical Awareness and Surveillance System (TASS) for real-time battlefield awareness. The regiment’s motto is ‘Pehla Hamesha Pehla’.
India’s elite Special Forces marched down Kartavya Path, demonstrating their ability to operate deep inside enemy territory. Highly trained to fight in isolation, these forces can infiltrate by parachute drop, heliborne insertion, vehicles, or on foot, gather critical intelligence, and execute precision strikes using anti-tank, anti-personnel, and anti-air missiles.
Supporting the mechanised and strike elements were advanced vehicles and unmanned systems. The AJAYKETU All Terrain Vehicle, led by Lt Col Ram Vinodh S of PARA (SF), showcased indigenous loitering munitions such as NAGASTRA and BHOJANK (JOHNETTE), enhancing beyond-line-of-sight precision strike capabilities.
The RANDHWAJ Tactical Transport System, designed for rugged terrain, deployed snipers and Special Operations troops equipped with TRINETRA surveillance drones and TEER FPV strike drones. Meanwhile, Dhwansak Light Strike Vehicles demonstrated a lethal mix of firepower and surveillance, featuring Heavy Machine Guns, IGLA air defence launchers, SPIKE anti-tank launchers, Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (VMIMS), and advanced drones including Q6, Tunga, and micro canister-launched UAVs.
Robotic and unmanned platforms, including Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and robotic dogs armed with Tavor assault rifles and Negev LMGs, showcased capabilities in remote engagement, casualty evacuation, logistics support, and advanced surveillance. Platforms such as Nigraha, Bhairav, Bhuviraksha, and Krishna highlighted India’s progress in autonomous and remote-controlled battlefield technologies.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at India Gate. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P.S. Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
As the parade commenced, spectators witnessed the aerial ‘Dhwaj Formation’, featuring four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit flying in a striking inverted ‘Y’ formation. The helicopters proudly carried the National Ensign along with the Service Ensigns of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations at Kartavya Path. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended as the Chief Guests on the occasion.
This year, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, was elaborately decorated to reflect India’s remarkable journey. The celebrations blended the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram, the nation’s developmental progress, robust military strength, rich cultural diversity, and active citizen participation.
For the first time, the parade showcased a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including an aerial component. The reconnaissance element featured the 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform, followed by the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle, India’s first indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle.
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