New Delhi [India], January 26 (ANI): As the 77th Republic Day Parade rolls down Kartavya Path in the national capital on Monday, among the key attractions will be the advanced LR-AShM, a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets. Designed to carry various payloads, the missile has a range of up to 1,500 km and is intended to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
According to a statement, the hypersonic missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory with speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining an average of Mach 5.0 with multiple skips. Enemy ground- and ship-based radars are unable to detect it during most of its flight trajectory.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) is configured with a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system. Its successful development places India among an elite group of nations possessing hypersonic missile capability.
The LR-AShM is among several indigenous defence systems showcased this year and is expected to emerge as one of India’s most lethal strategic assets as the country’s technological prowess and operational capability continue to grow.
Also featuring in the Republic Day parade are the BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, along with the ‘Suryastra’ rocket launcher system with deep-strike capabilities, which will be showcased for the first time.
Rolling past the saluting dais will be two key pillars of India’s air defence architecture — the Akash Weapon System and the ABHRA Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (MRSAM). Together, they form a robust layered shield for the Indian Army and reflect “India’s growing indigenous strength in air defence.”
The Main Battle Tank Arjun and Bhishma T-90 tanks will also be among the key military platforms on display along Kartavya Path. The backbone of mechanised operations, the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), will roll past with its upgraded combat capabilities.
Armed with a 30-mm automatic cannon, a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun, and a Konkurs anti-tank guided missile, the BMP-II is upgraded with thermal imaging sight kits capable of engaging targets up to 4 km at night. The vehicle carries the motto “Pehla Hamesha Pehla” and showcases Asteria AT-15 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drones, Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loitering Munition (CALM), and TASS for real-time battlefield awareness.
The NAMIS-II (Nag Missile Integrated System, Tracked), a third-generation fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank guided missile system, features a crew-less turret capable of firing four Nag missiles with an effective range of 5 km. Equipped with an advanced Integrated Fire Control System and third-generation electro-optical day/night sights, it carries the motto “Satrah Mech – Har Maidan Fateh.”
Artillery systems on display include the indigenous DHANUSH 155 mm, 45-calibre towed artillery gun and the AMOGH Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), demonstrating India’s long-range precision strike capability. DHANUSH has a firing range beyond 40 km and a burst rate of one shell every 12 seconds.
The AMOGH ATAGS, developed by DRDO in collaboration with Kalyani Strategic Systems and Tata Advanced Systems, has a range exceeding 43 km, a burst rate of five rounds per minute, and features full gun automation with night-firing capability.
High-mobility and reconnaissance platforms such as the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV) will also be showcased. These vehicles feature battlefield surveillance radars, drones, and anti-drone guns, supporting deep reconnaissance, special operations, and precision engagement missions.
Aerial platforms on display include the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, capable of reconnaissance, transport, casualty evacuation, and fire support across diverse terrains. Helicopters such as Rudra and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand will demonstrate precision strikes, reconnaissance, and close air support roles.
Unmanned ground systems including NIGRAHA (Suppressor), Bhairav, BHUVIRAKSHA (Divine Protector), and Krishna will highlight India’s growing autonomous warfare capabilities. These systems can deliver machine-gun and grenade-launcher fire, evacuate casualties, provide logistics support, and conduct reconnaissance in hazardous environments.
Robotic mules and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) used by the Indian Army for logistics support in difficult terrain and high-altitude areas will also be displayed, reducing the physical burden on soldiers.
The Drone Shakti Lorry will exhibit indigenous drone systems such as Kharga Chakr, Shakti, Prahar, Navastra, Baaz, Sudarshan, Dhruva Prahar, and Adrushyam, along with the counter-drone system PRABAL. These platforms demonstrate operational readiness through artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing, and quantum computing.
According to the statement, “Drone Shakti enables the fabrication and sustenance of drones in forward areas, significantly enhancing operational capabilities.”
Also on display will be NAGASTRA, an indigenous loitering munition designed for deep precision strikes, along with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
The Akash Weapon System, India’s first indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system, will be showcased as a flagship “Make in India” success. Designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, Akash provides airspace surveillance up to 150 km and an engagement range of 25–30 km.
“Akash, in conjunction with the S-400, effectively neutralises enemy aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial platforms,” the statement noted. The system has been inducted into both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
Alongside Akash is the MRSAM, also known as the Abhra Weapon System. With airspace surveillance up to 300 km and an engagement range of up to 70 km, the medium-range air defence system protects critical assets and adds depth and resilience to India’s air defence architecture.
India’s long-range artillery capability will further be showcased through the SURYASTRA Universal Rocket Launcher System. Mounted on a highly mobile 6×6 BEML vehicle, the indigenous multi-calibre system can deliver guided rockets with precision at ranges of up to 300 km.
A unique feature of Suryastra is its ability to fire multiple types of rockets of varying calibres from a single platform, offering unmatched operational flexibility. Currently being inducted into service, it is expected to act as a force multiplier for the Indian Artillery.
The BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Weapon System will also be on display. Capable of speeds up to Mach 2.8, BrahMos is among the fastest cruise missiles in the world and represents India’s strategic deterrence and technological excellence.
“Supersonic velocity, pin-point precision, and extended strike range define its lethal capability,” the statement said. The missile system has been inducted into all three services of the Indian Armed Forces.
India is moving closer to concluding a USD 450 million deal with Indonesia for the export of BrahMos, following its earlier export to the Philippines. Advanced variants of the missile are under development to further enhance its range, precision, and operational flexibility.
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day — the first after Operation Sindoor — as the nation comes together to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and showcase its rich cultural and military heritage. (ANI)
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