On Republic Day, the Indian Air Force delivered a strong response to those questioning the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor by showcasing the very weapons used in these operations during the flypast at Kartavya Path. This year’s display was distinct as fighter jets not only performed their usual aerial maneuvers but also flew equipped with the lethal armaments employed in these missions.
The Rafale, India’s most advanced fighter jet, roared over Kartavya Path armed with Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles. The LCA Tejas also demonstrated its weaponry, while Mirage 2000 jets carried the same missiles used during the 2019 Balakot Strike. This display effectively silenced Pakistan’s denials and fabrications that questioned the existence and use of such missiles by India.
Notably, the Sukhoi-30MKI showcased Astra missiles, marking an operational role rarely seen during the parade. Older Jaguar aircraft were also equipped with Astra missiles, while Sukhoi-30MKIs carried BrahMos missiles. Rafale jets featured Hammer stand-off bombs alongside Meteor missiles, highlighting the Air Force’s formidable capabilities.
In addition to aircraft, the parade featured BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra,’ the Arjun main battle tank, and the newly formed Shaktibaan Regiment. Through the Kartavya Path display, India presented a clear glimpse of the success of Operation Sindoor.
A special ‘Arrowhead Formation’ and a tri-service tableau demonstrated the coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force during the conflict with Pakistan from May 7 to 10. For the first time, the parade included the Army’s ‘Battle Array Formation,’ integrating its air components. The formation featured a reconnaissance team from 61 Cavalry in combat gear, followed by a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and aerial support from indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters and their armed Rudra variants, forming a combat formation.
Main battle tanks T-90 Bhishma and Arjun passed the saluting dais, supported by Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanized units included BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles and the tracked Nag missile system Mk-2. An integrated campaign center model representing the Operation Sindoor and the ambitious ‘Sudarsan Chakra’ air defense system was displayed under glass, led by a female army officer.
The parade also demonstrated BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems, advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery guns, Divyashtra, and various drones. Officials highlighted the debut of the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra,’ capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away, marking a significant advancement in India’s surface-to-surface missile capabilities.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.