The 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur highlighted India’s full defence capabilities and honoured the valour of its soldiers.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time the parade was held outside a cantonment area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, and several dignitaries attended the celebrations.
The parade carried the motto “Seva Paramo Dharmaḥ – Service Before Self”, reflecting the Indian Army’s courage, discipline, and dedication. It showcased advanced artillery and rocket systems, including the BrahMos cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometres away from land, sea, or underwater platforms. The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, recently tested with long-range guided rockets reaching 120 kilometres, also featured prominently.
Other systems on display included the upgraded BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launcher and the SMERCH system. The Indian Air Force demonstrated its indigenous Akashteer system, equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles, proven effective during Operation Sindoor.
The parade also introduced the Bhairav Battalion, a newly raised unit positioned between Para Special Forces and regular infantry. Formed as part of the Army’s restructuring, the battalion draws lessons from global conflicts and aims to deliver quick, precise offensive solutions against modern threats.
The 78th Army Day Parade not only honoured soldiers’ sacrifices but also underscored India’s readiness to meet evolving defence challenges.
