The Hindu : Front Page : Armed might showcased

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 27, 2007
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Front Page

Armed might showcased

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI : The nation on Friday showcased its military prowess at an impressive Republic Day parade, which rolled down the majestic Rajpath on a balmy morning.

Heralding the country's advances in military technology was the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, an Indo-Russian product that evoked keen interest in the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was seen explaining to Mr. Putin the tableau that carried the Army and Naval versions of the missile.

Also on display were a unique small-sized `Ex Tank,' the Nag anti-tank guided missile, the Akash weapon system, weapon-locating radars and a host of border surveillance equipment. An unmanned aerial vehicle christened `Searcher II' that can undertake `very high-risk missions' deep into the enemy territory evoked awe. Navy personnel came along with a tableau depicting new acquisitions such as the INS Talwar, IL-38 aircraft and the Scorpene submarine, linked through a network. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel, clad in snow-combat gear, drew instant applause.

The tableau of the Remount Veterinary Corps displaying the Army sniffer dog contingent and a float on world military games to be hosted by India later this year with its mascot `Bravo,' the great India bison, stood out.The grand finale came in the form of the zooming frontline flying machines of the Air Force. The IL-78 aircraft performed the complex mid-air refuelling of two Sukhoi multi-role fighters at a speed of 510 km an hour.

Republic Day Photos: Photo Gallery

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