A newly-raised Bhairav Battalion at the Republic Day parade. Credit: Tarun Rawat

NEW DELHI: India’s military offensive, courage and valour displayed during Operation Sindoor were showcased in front of European chief guests and thousands of spectators on Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday when the country made a grand display of lethal weapon systems, missiles, anti-missile shield and fighter jets used during the conflict against Pakistan last year.A glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting the conduct of Op Sindoor with the use of weapons systems such as BrahMos and S-400 missiles rolled down Kartavya Path. Two key pillars of India’s air defence architecture, Akash weapon system and ABHRA Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (MRSAM) that formed a robust layered shield for the Indian Army during the conflict last May were also displayed.For the first time, the parade showcased a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ of the Indian Army that included an aerial component. A tri-services tableau led by Captain Samira Buttar depicted replicas of major weapon systems deployed during Op Sindoor against Pakistan. Even helicopters carrying Operation Sindoor flags flew over the Kartavya Path before the start of the parade.Besides Op Sindoor weapon systems, the military also flaunted the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, Shaktibaan, followed by Divyastra, equipped with cutting-edge surveillance and targeting technologies. Mechanised columns on display included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, along with Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.In a first, DRDO showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, which is capable of engaging static and moving targets and designed to carry various payloads.The parade was led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation army officer. Among the 18 marching contingents and 13 bands, debut appearances were of newly-raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Scouts contingent and a specially-curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC). Artillery systems on display included the Dhanush 155 mm, 45-calibre towed artillery gun and AMOGH Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), demonstrating India’s long-range precision strike capability. For the first time, the Army displayed several drone systems, robotic mules carrying assault rifles, all-terrain vehicles and sharpshooters in the parade.A military contingent from the European Union, carrying the military staff flag and flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, naval operations of the grouping, also featured at the parade as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were the R-Day chief guests. It was the EU’s first participation in such an event outside Europe.In the parade, a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously-designed armoured light specialist vehicle also participated for the first time. The combat elements then followed with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from US-made Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.Before the starting of the parade, IAF Group Captain and astronaut Subhanshu Shukla was honoured with the Ashok Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu for his historic ISS space mission.A total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhois — that were used in Op Sindoor— four transport aircraft and nine helicopters, participated in the flypast.The IAF deployed around 20 fighter jets along with Netra AEW&C aircraft, to create an aerial shield against any possible threat to the R-day celebrations in New Delhi.