Senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, along with several other dignitaries, attended the 78th Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, and numerous prominent guests were also present at the event. The grand parade, held at Mahal Road in Jagatpura, marks a historic moment as it is being conducted outside the cantonment area for the first time. The event highlights the Indian Army’s growing technological strength and combat readiness.

A wide range of advanced weapon systems is being showcased, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometres away from land, sea, and underwater platforms. The display also features the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, recently tested with extended-range guided rockets reaching distances of up to 120 kilometres. Other systems on exhibit include the upgraded BM-21 Grad launcher, the SMERCH rocket system capable of firing twelve 300-mm rockets up to 90 kilometres, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, the M777 ultra-light howitzer, and several additional artillery platforms.

Demonstrating its air defence strength, the Army is also presenting the indigenous Akashteer system equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles. These systems gained global attention after proving their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, where they successfully intercepted various Turkish and Chinese-origin drones used by Pakistan in high-threat combat conditions.

Another major highlight of the parade is the first public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav Battalion. Created as part of the Army’s restructuring efforts, the unit draws operational insights from global conflicts and India’s own experiences, including Operation Sindoor. Positioned between the Para Special Forces and conventional infantry, the Bhairav Battalion is designed to deliver swift, precise offensive responses across diverse and challenging terrains.

A commanding officer of 2 Bhairav Battalion told ANI that modern warfare is rapidly evolving into hybrid forms, requiring advanced technology, innovative thinking, and new operational approaches — principles that have guided the formation of the Bhairav units. Army Day is observed annually on January 15 to commemorate the historic moment in 1949 when Field Marshal KM Cariappa took charge of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief General Sir FRR Bucher, becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of independent India.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.