New Delhi: In a testament to India’s technological prowess and commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase several critical systems and technologies during the 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2024.
The DRDO tableau, themed ‘Women Power in Protecting the Nation,’ highlights the invaluable contribution of women scientists in core areas of Defence Research across five dimensions—Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Space. The tableau will be commanded by Outstanding Scientist Smt Sunita Devi Jena.
The display includes a range of sophisticated technologies, such as the Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile, Agni-5 Ballistic Missile, Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR), and more.
The ASAT Missile, used in Mission Shakti, marks a significant breakthrough in anti-satellite technology and precision strike capability. Agni-5, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, showcases India’s capability to strike targets with high accuracy.
The MPATGM, NASM-SR, and VSHORADS highlight the prowess of Indian missile technology. MPATGM, a third-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile, operates with ‘Fire & Forget,’ ‘Top Attack,’ and night operational capabilities. NASM-SR, India’s first air-launched anti-ship missile system, and VSHORADS, a Man Portable Air Defence System, demonstrate the nation’s capabilities in neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats.
The tableau also features the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas,’ Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESAR), Advanced Electronic Warfare System ‘Shakti,’ and Cyber Security systems, among others.
DRDO’s contributions extend to various systems like Pinaka, Nag Missile System, mobile bridging system ‘Sarvatra,’ Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), and Weapon Locating Radar ‘Swathi,’ which will be displayed in contingents of the Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force’s flypast will include LCA Tejas and AEW&C developed by DRDO.
The organisation, as a design and development agency for the Armed Forces, emphasizes ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by collaborating with stakeholders across academia, industry, MSMEs, start-ups, and services to develop state-of-the-art defence systems. The Republic Day Parade serves as a platform to showcase India’s technological achievements and commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector.