The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that the upcoming Republic Day flypast will feature the 'Tangail' formation, consisting of the heritage aircraft Dakota flanked by two Dornier Do-228 aircraft. Notably, these Dornier aircraft will be utilizing a blended mixture of Aviation Turbine Fuel and Biofuel.

The 'Tangail' formation aims to recreate a historic event – the successful airdrop on December 11, 1971, during the India-Pakistan war. This airdrop, in which Indian Air Force personnel were parachuted onto hostile territory, marked a significant milestone as the first-ever airdrop of Indian security forces in such circumstances.

The Indian Army's Republic Day parade will showcase several made-in-India weapon systems and platforms as key attractions. Among these, the LCH Prachand chopper, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Nag anti-tank missiles will take centre stage in this year's festivities.

HAL's LCH Prachand, the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, takes centre stage at the Republic Day parade. Designed for modern warfare, it excels in ground attack and aerial combat with advanced features, robust armour, and potent night attack capabilities. The helicopter, crafted by HAL, showcases a cutting-edge navigation system, close combat guns, and powerful air-to-air missiles.

Developed by DRDO, the NAG missile is designed to engage heavily fortified enemy tanks under varying conditions, day and night. With "Fire & Forget" and "Top Attack" capabilities, the missile employs passive homing guidance to overcome MBTs equipped with composite and reactive armour. The NAG missile carrier known as NAMICA, operates on a BMP II platform and boasts amphibious capabilities.

In addition to these, the Republic Day parade will showcase the latest armoured vehicles and specialist vehicles, all indigenously produced by the Indian industry. The Republic Day celebrations featuring French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, aims to highlight the advancements in India's defense capabilities. Army officials provided insights into the array of cutting-edge weaponry and platforms that will be on display.

The Republic Day parade will feature the Quick Fighting Reaction Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicle, and All-Terrain Vehicle on the Kartavya Path. Weapon systems include the T-90 tank, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, Drone jammers, Advanced Sarvatra bridge, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile launcher, and multi-function radar.

Notably, the showcase will highlight the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, enabling the detection and neutralization of enemy artillery. The parade will also include the Light Combat Helicopter, Rudra (weaponized ALH Dhruv choppers), Pinaka, and Swathi radar, all developed by DRDO and successfully exported.

The extended-range Pinaka Rocket System, capable of targeting up to 45 km, is a joint development by Pune's ARDE and HEMRL. The Republic Day parade will highlight the increasing role of women in the defense forces, featuring 60 women soldiers in the tri-services all-women marching contingent, including representatives from the Air Force and Navy.

Image source: ANI