Article Posted on : - Jan 27, 2009

BrahMos missile at display during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Monday. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI (BNS): Two different versions of Brahmos cruise missile, the nuclear capable Agni-III, and a model of India’s first Israeli-made AWACS were part of the aerospace component of the impressive 60th Republic Day parade in the national capital.

The vertical launch capability of naval version of the Brahmos was one of the key attractions at the RD parade on Rajpath, the historic road linking the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate. The vertical launcher is indigenously designed and developed, and has been successfully tested. The launcher houses eight missiles that can be fired at an interval of two seconds. The launcher also provides the capability to fire from a moving ship, at a target in any direction.

The Army version of the Brahmos missile too was on display. The supersonic cruise missile with a range of 290 kilometers is a joint venture between India and Russia. Two mobile autonomous launchers, each carrying three containerized missiles were presented at the parade. The missiles were from the 861 Missile Regiment of the Indian Army.

The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) exhibited the indigenously developed Akash surface to air missile system. It can neutralize aerial threats penetrating from low, medium and high altitudes. The air force is in the process of inducting Akash.

The two-stage, solid propellant, rail-mobile Agni-III too was on display at the parade where India’s military might and cultural diversity is exhibited before the nation. The 3000-kilometer missile can carry a payload of 1.5 ton, and is a key delivery platform for India’s nuclear arsenal.

The IAF tableau showcased the Phalcon AWACS, the Hawk advanced jet trainer, SU-30 MKI and Rohini 3-D radar.

The majestic parade also saw various formation flying by an array of IAF aircraft, ranging from transport planes to Sukhoi-30 MKI.