As the country celebrated 76th Republic Day, Indian Army was at the forefront of showcasing its latest defence technology at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path on Sunday.
On the saluting dais were systems that showcased the Army’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance: Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System, Short Span Bridging System and Akash Weapon System.
These systems are all made in India and show India’s progress in defence technology and Indian Armed Forces’ strategic strength and preparedness.
Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System (IBSS) developed by Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited which integrates all ground based and aerial sensors on a common grid and provides commanders a unified view through a Geographical Information System overlay made its way to the saluting dais.
This system is real time connected with Army’s SHAKTI System and provides sensor-shooter connectivity. IBSS enhances Indian Army’s operational capabilities and is a force multiplier. The system was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Shrutika Dutta, Commanding BSS (Plains) of 134 SATA Regiment and Major Vikash, Commanding BSS (Mountains) of 621 SATA Battery.
Next was the Short Span Bridging System, a made in India product which can be used to overcome geographical barriers like rivers and canals. It can bridge gaps of up to 9.5 meters and can support tanks of up to 70 tons. It can be set up in 8-10 minutes by a four man team. Short Span Bridging System ensures swift troop movement and resource mobilization. It was presented by Major K John Abrahm of 9 Rapid Engineer Regiment and Captain Jagjeet Singh of 234 Armoured Engineer Regiment.
The regiment’s motto is “Onpathe Unakku Nigarillai Enpathe” meaning “Nine is for you, and there is no match to it”.
Next was the Akash Weapon System, India’s first indigenously developed air defence system. The system can fire short range surface to air missiles to neutralise aerial threats. It has a surveillance range of 150 km and can engage targets up to 25 km. It has been inducted in both Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
The system was presented by Lieutenant Himanshu Singh Chouhan of 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment (Amritsar Airfield) and Captain Sharmistha Dutta of 50 Lt Air Defence. 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment was raised in 1942 and is famous for its bravery during Indo-Pak War of 1971. The regiment’s motto is “Akashe Shatrun Jahi” meaning “Defeat the Enemy in the Sky”.
These systems were showcased to highlight the Indian Army’s ongoing modernisation and the success of the Make in India initiative. Post this, six more defence systems were displayed: T-90 Bhishma tank, NAMIS and BMP-II Sarath tank destroyers, Infantry Vehicle Column, BrahMos missile system, Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System and BM-21 Agnibaan Multiple-Barrel Rocket Launcher.
This year, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest for the Republic Day.
This year Republic Day marks 75 years of the Constitution and is all about “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation).
Earlier, PM Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at India Gate and paid homage to the bravehearts who gave their lives for the country. Then President Murmu hoisted the national flag with Indian Navy officers Lieutenant Shubham Kumar and Lieutenant Yogita Saini.
