MILITARY MIGHT: The Pinaka rocket launcher at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday. — Photo: Sandeep Saxena

NEW DELHI: The country's new defence acquisitions stole the show at the 57th Republic Day parade on the majestic Rajpath here on Thursday.

Gliding down Vijay Chowk, the two-hour parade, held amid high security, showcased the strides made by the country in scientific research, economy and other fields.

While the weapon locating radar and the amphibious floating bridge and ferry system were much applauded, the "Jaanbaaz" motorcycle performance by Border Security Force personnel and the magnificent fly-past by the Air Force were the cynosure of all eyes.

Floral tribute

The proceedings began with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. He then received President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the chief guest at the parade, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who were escorted by the President's Bodyguards on bay-coloured mounts.

This was followed by the unfurling of the national flag and the President's Bodyguard presenting the salute. Then the national anthem was played, and a 21-gun salute boomed in the background.

All eyes turned skyward as four Mi-17 helicopters, displaying the ensigns of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, flew towards the saluting dais in an inverted wineglass formationand showered rose petals.

Led by the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Major-General P.C. Bharadwaj, the parade took off with the gallantry award winners riding past in a jeep. The arrival of the mechanised columns was greeted with loud applause as the country's military might was displayed. Showcased were Arjun battle tanks, 155 mm Soltam guns, the Tunguska Air Defence Weapon System, the Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance vehicle and the Hydrema Demining Equipment.

Missile systems

Among the highlights were the Network Operations Centre and the Mobile Army Static Switched Communications Node. A number of missile systems, including Agni-I and Agni-II, Prithvi, the multibarrel rocket launching system, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the BrahMos universal vertical launcher system on a ship mock-up model, were also displayed.

Their steps in sync, the various contingents marched through Rajpath to the tune of accompanying bands. Showcasing the country's rich culture and diversity were the tableaux presented by 16 States, five Union Ministries and three departments.

Sixteen children, recipients of the National Bravery Awards, followed on caparisoned elephants. Another award was given posthumously to 13-year-old Shibu T of Kerala. This was followed by performances by school students.

Air display

While the "Jaanbaaz" motorcycle display had people awestruck, the fly-past was even more special. It began with the tanker formation that demonstrated air-to-air refuelling by an IL-78 and two SU-30 MKIs and moved on to an arrowhead formation of five Jaguars and MiG 29s. Then came a splendid Trishul formation of three SU-30s, which ended with a three-and-a-half spin Vertical Charlie that had the audience spellbound. The curtain came down on the parade with the customary release of balloons in the colours of the national flag.

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