For the very first time, the vibrant streets of Jaipur became the stage for the grand Army Day parade on Thursday. This historic event moved beyond the traditional cantonment areas, bringing the military's prowess directly to the public eye. The parade vividly highlighted the skills, unwavering courage, and strict discipline of India's armed forces.
A Historic Celebration in the Pink City
This marked the inaugural occasion where Army Day celebrations were held openly in Jaipur, outside the restricted cantonment zone. The large, enthusiastic crowd that gathered demonstrated the deep and enduring bond between the Indian Army and the citizens it protects.
Leadership Addresses the Nation
Addressing a press conference on Army Day, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extended his warm greetings. He saluted all soldiers, veterans, officials, and civilians connected to this important day. "We bow before the bravehearts who have laid down their lives in the line of duty," General Dwivedi stated. He emphasized that the public's strong support serves as a tremendous encouragement for every soldier standing guard.
Spotlight on the New Bhairav Battalion
A major highlight of the parade was the first public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav battalion. This unit is a key part of the Army's recent restructuring, designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. The battalion aims to provide quick and precise offensive solutions against national threats.
Drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including the Indian Army's own Operation Sindoor, the Bhairav warriors made a powerful debut. They marched with feet thumping the concrete, their faces painted, shouting their fierce war cry. An announcer described them as "warriors, unafraid, protecting day and night, steadfast in guarding our lands." Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan saluted the entire parade with respect.
Diverse Units and Youth Representation
The parade featured a wide array of units showcasing the Army's diversity and strength. The Garhwal Scouts, Sikkim Scouts, and Arunachal Scouts all marched past the saluting dais in full combat gear. Symbolizing the nation's youth power, an all-girls marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) participated proudly, led by Senior Under Officer Kavitha Kumawar.
Display of Cutting-Edge Technology
The Indian Army put its advanced technological capabilities on full display. The parade included futuristic demonstrations with robot dogs and all-terrain vehicles, preceding the formidable BrahMos missile. This indigenously developed, long-range supersonic missile represents a significant achievement in India's defense manufacturing.
Highlighting its focus on modern warfare, the Army showcased its Artificial Intelligence and drone capabilities. A key system displayed was the 'Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS)'. Led by Captain Priya Yadav of the 401 Light AAV regiment, this system identifies aerial threats, classifies them as 'soft' or 'hard' kill targets, and then either jams or destroys them accordingly.
Drone Shakti and Artillery Power
The 'Drone Shakti' initiative was also featured, demonstrating multiple drones carried on vehicles. Led by Major Arun Kumar, this program integrates artificial intelligence and robotics into an indigenous drone fabrication effort. Combat drones, led by Major Anhad Singh Chatadar, further emphasized this technological thrust.
The parade also rolled out formidable artillery and rocket systems. These included the upgraded BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launcher and the powerful SMERCH system, capable of firing 12 rockets up to 90 kilometers. Platforms like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System and the M777 ultra-light howitzer were part of the impressive display.
Robust Air Defence on Show
Air defence capabilities took center stage with the indigenous Akashteer system. This system, equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), has proven its effectiveness in high-threat environments. During Operation Sindoor, it successfully shot down various Turkish and Chinese-origin drone systems operated by Pakistan, garnering global interest as a combat-proven platform. The man-portable Igla air defence system was also part of the comprehensive display.
The Jaipur parade successfully blended tradition with innovation, honoring valor while showcasing a modern, technologically advanced Indian Army ready for future challenges.
