The Indian Army will unveil a stunning array of modern military hardware at this year's Army Day parade in Jaipur. The event takes place on Thursday and promises to be a spectacular display of national defense capabilities.
New Bhairav Battalion Takes Center Stage
All eyes will focus on the newly formed Bhairav Battalion during the parade. This elite unit occupies a unique position between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry formations. Army officials created this battalion as part of recent structural reforms within the military.
The Bhairav Battalion incorporates valuable lessons learned from global conflicts. Operational experiences from missions like Operation Sindoor directly influenced its development and training protocols.
Missile Systems and Artillery Power
Visitors will witness impressive firepower demonstrations featuring multiple missile and rocket systems. The parade will include the formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missile alongside the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher.
Additional artillery systems making appearances include the BM-21 Grad, Smerch, and the indigenous Akashteer system. These weapons represent both imported and domestically developed technologies that enhance India's defensive capabilities.
Advanced Drone Technology on Display
The Army will showcase various unmanned aerial vehicles with different combat roles. The display includes kamikaze drones like the Mini Harpy and Harop systems designed for precision strikes.
Other drone models featured will be the Peacekeeper and Sky Striker variants. These unmanned systems provide critical surveillance and attack capabilities for modern battlefield operations.
Ground Vehicles and Artillery Platforms
Several advanced artillery systems will roll through the parade ground. The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System represents domestic manufacturing excellence. Meanwhile, the US-imported M777 ultra-light howitzer demonstrates international defense cooperation.
Unmanned ground vehicles will make a significant appearance too. The recently introduced Sapper Scout UGV leads this category, accompanied by the AEGMA ES 500 and Airawat 1000 models. These robotic systems handle dangerous logistical tasks while keeping soldiers safe.
Electronic Warfare and Communication Systems
Modern warfare requires sophisticated electronic capabilities, and the Army will display several such systems. Satellite communication vehicles will demonstrate secure long-distance communications. Integrated drone identification systems help detect incoming aerial threats.
Vehicle-mounted drone jammers and stationary jammer stations called Samyukta will be visible. The HimShakti electronic warfare system and Trishul tactical drone jammers complete this electronic defense lineup. Together, these technologies significantly boost counter-drone effectiveness and situational awareness.
Additional Military Equipment
The parade includes numerous other combat and support vehicles. The 81 mm mortar provides infantry with portable firepower. Modular bridge systems enable rapid river crossings during operations.
All-terrain capabilities come from vehicles like the Sherp and the Kalyani M4 armored vehicle, also known as Nandighosh. Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles offer rapid response options, while the T-90 Bhishma main battle tank represents heavy armored strength.
Apache Attack Helicopters Join the Parade
This year marks a special addition to the aerial component of the parade. The Army will feature its latest Apache attack helicopters among other rotary-wing aircraft. The final batch of three Apaches arrived in December, completing delivery of all six helicopters.
These formidable attack helicopters now serve with the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur. Their inclusion in the parade demonstrates the growing capabilities of Army aviation units across Rajasthan and beyond.
