NEW DELHI: After India’s major counterterror action under Operation Sindoor in 2025, this year’s Republic Day parade put the spotlight firmly on the country’s military strength. Along Kartavya Path — formerly Rajpath — weapons platforms and defence systems rolled past in a grand display of the armed forces’ combat readiness and technological prowess.The spectacle extended to the skies over the Raisina Hills, where the Air Force formations flew past in the presence of chief guests from Europe, foreign delegations and thousands of spectators. The aerial display, featuring the Operation Sindoor flag unfurled midair, served as a powerful visual statement, highlighting the message of deterrence and preparedness that defined the parade.
(PTI photo)
The ‘Battle Array’ formation, unveiled for the first time on Kartavya Path, signalled a shift from traditional ceremonial displays to a combat-ready battlefield setup, reflecting the Army’s move toward modern, multi-domain warfare.A glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) depicting Operation Sindoor rolled down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday. The display highlighted how the operation was carried out and showcased the close coordination between India’s armed forces.In a clear message to Pakistan, the tri-services tableaux showcased the striking power of the BrahMos missile alongside the robust S-400 air defence system, a key element of India’s overall defence strategy, the “Sudarshan Chakra,” which was proven effective during high military tensions with the nuclear-armed neighbour in May.Operation Sindoor led to the neutralisation of over 100 terrorists and enemy soldiers. Several key enemy assets were destroyed, and the operation brought the adversary to a standstill within 88 hours.The military action was launched after the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. In response, Indian forces carried out strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, targeting key infrastructure and eliminating multiple terrorists.The IOC display showed that the operation was guided by national and military leadership, with strong coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. Support from the civilian population and seamless inter-service cooperation were shown as major reasons for the operation’s success.The theme of “Virasat, Vividhta aur Vikas” was highlighted during the display. While the BrahMos missile delivered decisive strikes on enemy targets, air defence systems such as Akash and S-400 provided protection to civilian areas under the concept of the “Sudarshan Chakra”.As part of the Combat Support Elements segment, Divyastra and Shaktibaan systems were showcased. Mounted on High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6×6), these platforms reflect the Indian Army’s push towards indigenisation and modernisation.
India’s new-generation unmanned warfare capability was also on display through Shaktibaan and Divyastra. These systems are designed around surveillance and targeting and represent a major step towards technology-driven and precision warfare.Shaktibaan and Divyastra are equipped with swarm drones, tethered drone systems and the indigenously developed hybrid UAV ZOLT, which is used for directing artillery fire.Their targeting capabilities are supported by loitering munitions such as Harop, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range) and Sky Striker.According to the defence ministry, these systems allow the armed forces to deploy swarm drones, long-range strike drones and loitering munitions for effective battlefield operations.