Laser mapping, drone show in Republic Day parade

New Delhi India January 23 ANI : In the 75th year of Independence, the Republic Day parade would highlight the old and the new era of the Indian army in terms of uniforms and weapons used while the Beating Retreat ceremony would include the inclusion of a laser mapping and drone show.

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the number of troops in the Republic Day parade has been reduced from 144 to 96, said Major General Alok Kakkar on Sunday.

The number of troops in marching contingents in the parade has been reduced from 144 earlier in the day to 96 during a press conference in Delhi. He said they will be seen marching in 12 rows and eight columns.

The parade has a shortening of the parade for the marching contingents to National Stadium, which was previously used to conclude at Red Fort.

The Republic Day parade starting from Raisina Hills and going through Rajpath, India Gate to Red Fort would now only go up to the National Stadium in view of COVID 19 this time. He said only tableaux will be up to Red Fort.

The parade will not start at the scheduled time of 10 am this year, but with a 30 minute delay.

The parade will start at 10.30 am instead, the Major Gen said.

There will be 8 contingents of the Indian Armed Forces in the Republic Day Parade, which will include 6 contingents of the Army, one from the Navy and the Air Force. He said that the new combat uniform will be worn by the regiment contingent with the latest Tavor rifles.

Major Vishesh, Contingent Commander of the Parachute Regiment, said that Donning the new combat uniform at the Republic Day Parade will be a very proud moment for the elite force Parachute Regiment. Lt Manisha Bohra, Army Ordnance Corps Contingent Commander said: It is a matter of great honour for all of us to take part in the Republic Day parade and all of us have been practising very hard for it. The Major Gen said during the virtual press conference that a unique mix of vintage and new equipment will be seen in the mechanised column.

In the front, in the armour column, PT 76 and Centurion tanks will be shown, which took part in the 1965 and 1971 wars. He said that this will be followed by the main battle tank Arjun.

There would be 16 marching contingents there. Of these, eight will be Indian Armed Forces, four of Central Armed Police Force, two of NCC and one of Delhi Police and NSS, he added.

Major Gen Kakkar said that a total of 21 tableau will be shown in the parade.

There will be two motorcycle formations. The women's team will be BSF and the men's team will be ITBP.

The Major Gen said that 75 aircraft of the Indian Air Force in 15 formations will do a flypast.

Two new things will be seen in the Beating Retreat ceremony held in Vijay Chowk, Delhi.

After the ceremony is completed, a projection mapping with laser would be done on the wall of the North and South block. It will be followed by a drone show in which 1,000 drones will take part.