For the first time, the Army Day parade took place on Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan, rather than within a military cantonment. Thousands of spectators gathered to witness the Indian Army’s impressive display of strength and modern warfare capabilities. The parade showcased various military assets, including BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, tanks, and advanced combat systems, parading through public roads in Jagatpura.
In addition to ground displays, the parade featured Apache attack helicopters executing tactical maneuvers in the sky. Jaguar fighter jets, originating from Nal Airbase in Bikaner, flew over the parade route. The three-kilometer-long parade spanned from Jeevan Rekha Hospital Chowk to Bombay Hospital Chowk, attracting a large audience.
The event commenced with the posthumous presentation of gallantry medals to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Operation Sindoor. Distinguished officers adorned with Ashok Chakra, Param Vir Chakra, and Maha Vir Chakra led the parade, paying homage to the parade commander. Notable highlights included the Bhishma Tank (T-90) armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of launching various types of ammunition, including missiles with a range of up to 5 km, and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative-developed Arjun Tank equipped with a 120 mm rifled gun.
Armoured Troop Carriers designed to ensure soldier safety in combat zones, protecting them from aerial threats and gunfire across diverse terrains, were also showcased. A Robotic Dog, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras for navigation in challenging terrains, and a 46-meter Modular Bridge, demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities for river and ditch crossings, were among the exhibited assets.
The venue saw the arrival of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, senior ministers, and top Army officials. This public display of the Army Day parade in Jaipur aimed to bring the Armed Forces closer to citizens, offering them a firsthand experience of the bravery, sacrifices, and technological prowess of the Indian Army.
