New Delhi: During the Republic Day parade 2023, all the equipment on display, including ammunition, is indigenous. "All Indian Army equipment on display at the Republic Day parade this year is Made in India," Indian Army said on Monday.
"The 21 Gun Salute will be through indigenously made 105 mm Indian Field Guns (IFGs). The ammunition has also been produced indigenously," the Army added.
The Indian Army will replace its British-era 25-pounder guns, which were traditionally used to give the 21-gun salute to the President of India and the National Flag on Republic Day, with indigenous 105-mm IFGs as part of efforts to phase out colonial-era relics and display only indigenous equipment and weapon systems.
Talking about the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' push, Major General Bhavnish Kumar told ANI, “In this year’s Republic Day, indigenous equipment will be seen. The army will use indigenous equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat. 105 mm Indian field gun will give 21 gun salute, mechanised Columns will have armour core, MBT Arjun, mechanised infantry’s BMP 2 and Nag Missile system will show its might.”
He also highlighted the Artillery regiment’s K9 Vajra and Brahmo’s missile system automatic launcher, Army Air Defence Akash weapon system, Army core engineers’ 10 M short pan bridge and core of signals mobile microwave node and mobile network centre will also be seen in the Republic Day 2023.
Indigenously produced Prachand, a multi-role, light attack helicopter will also be part of the Indian Air Force flypast.
“ALH Dhruv and ALH Rudra will be seen, and Indian Air Force Prachand will also be on display on this year’s Republic Day,” Major General Kumar mentioned.
The Prachand Formation will be comprising one LCH in lead with two Apache Helicopters and two ALH MK-IV aircraft in echelon would fly in five aircraft “Arrow” formation.
President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Special Guest and during Republic Day Parade 2023 Egyptian military contingent will also be taking part at Kartavya Path.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence informed, a total of 23 tableaux, including 17 from states and UTs, and six from ministries and departments will roll down the Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2023.