With “Women Power” taking the center stage on the 75th Republic-Day celebrations, an all-women tri-service (Army, Navy and Air Force) contingent will be a part of the parade.
Maj Gen Sumit Mehta said here on Tuesday that the contingent would have women troops from the Army’s Military Police other than the Navy and the Air Force.
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The R-Day parade is going to display Nari Shakti with the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka.’
In a departure from the past, there will be a Shankhnaad ahwaan in the parade this time, said the Army officer. He said the women power and ‘Atmanirbharta’ will be the highlight of the parade.
Not only the marching women contingents will be the highlight of the parade, but (MRSAM) Medium Range Surface to Air Missile system, is for the first time being showcased in the parade will also be led by a woman officers.
The MRSAM is a specialised defence system also known as ‘Abhra’ designed to contribute towards air defense as it can take down aircrafts, drones and also acts as a theatre defence cover system.
The multi-functional radar, along with it, can provide situational picture and provides support the MRSAM, and has a range of 300 km, while the missiles of the MRSAM have a seeker which can effectively take down targets with a range of 70 km.
A total of 15 women pilots are taking part in the parade flypasts, while a total of 51 aircrafts will be part of the parade this time.
The Artillery regiment’s Pinaka System (multi barrel rocket launcher) will also be led by the women officers.
Nari Shakti from across different states will be taking part in the parade leading their respective teams.
According to the officer, the parade, which will begin at 10.30 am, will last for duration of 100 minutes.
Delhi Area Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar will be the parade commander.
The two living Param Vir Chakra awardees that include Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar will be a part of this parade, the officer added.
French marching contingent will take part in the parade and a French refuel aircraft along with two Rafale aircraft will fly- past as they take salute.
This is for the sixth time that a French president is being the chief guest of the R-Day parade, as French President Emmanuel Macron will be part of the Republic Day festivities.
The French marching contingent is taking part for the second time in the parade.
Meanwhile, apart from the MRSAM systems, a variety of new vehicles including All-terrain vehicles, light strike vehicles, and Quick Response Vehicles would be taking part.
The famous Border Security Force’s Camel Contingent is a mixed contingent with women and men troops.
Tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories and nine ministries will showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity, and the nation’s progress.
Motorcycle riding display will be showcased by the CRPF, SSB and ITBP women soldiers.
