At this year’s Republic Day Parade, Indian Army would showcase only Made in India Weapons systems, Army officials said. “The weapons to be displayed include the K9 Vajra howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag anti-tank guided missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defence missiles and the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles,” a statement said. During a press interaction on Monday, Chief of Staff Delhi Area Major General Bhavnish Kumar had said that the vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that traditionally fires the thundering ceremonial 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations will be replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year.

“We are transitioning towards indigenisation” and the “time is not far when all are equipment will be ‘swadeshi’”, he had said.