Article Posted on : - Jan 26, 2011

A view of the BrahMos missile and launcher on display during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day at Rajpath in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI (BNS): India Wednesday showcased its military might at the 62nd Republic Day celebrations witnessed by millions around the world.

The armed forces unveiled the indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas besides displaying T-90 main battle tank, advanced BRAHMOS Launcher System, Multi Barrel Rocket System 'Pinaka' and Tactical Control Radar 'Reporter'.

President Pratibaha Patil, the commander in chief of the armed forces, took salute as military contingents including mounted troops from the 61st Cavalry, mechanised columns and eight regiments of the army marched down Rajpath.

Four Mi-17 helicopters zoomed in from the western skies and showered flower petals on the spectators.

Watching the parade at Rajpath was Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as chief guest, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, defence minister A K Antony and the country's top political and military brass.

The army also displayed NBC (Nuclear- Biological-Chemical) Reconnaissance Vehicle, indigenous Pontoons Movable Section Bridge, Integrated Network Platform and armoured troop carrier Prahar 510.

Showcasing its air power, the Army also conducted a flypast of three advanced light helicopters Dhruv in arrowhead formation. The army contingent from Punjab Regiment, Rajputana Rifles, Rajput Regiment, Sikh Light Infantry, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and Gorkha Rifles marched to the tunes of 'Gangotri', 'God of War', Pragati and 'Vir Bharat' followed by 148 Navy personnel and the Air Force.

While the Navy showcased aircraft carrier INS Viraat, IAF's marching contingent showcased the tableaux of Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) and Aerostat Radar.