From BrahMos to T90: Russian military prowess on display at India’s Army Day (VIDEO)

Third-generation T90 tanks, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and Soviet-era Schilka anti-aircraft guns were among the Russian arms showcased at a grand parade in honor of India’s 78th Army Day on Thursday.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 to commemorate when Lieutenant General Kodandera M Cariappa became the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

The last British Commander-in-Chief, General Francis Roy Bucher, formally handed over charge to Cariappa on that day.

The Army Day parade is held annually, showcasing India’s military might. Gallantry awards and honors are also given away on this day as a mark of respect to the courage and sacrifice of the country’s armed forces.

The parade has traditionally been held in Delhi, but the venue has been rotated to different cities recently in order to strengthen the public outreach of the armed forces.

As one of the world’s largest defense importers, India has traditionally relied heavily on Russia for equipment and technology.
New Delhi and Moscow have hinted at new projects that would entail technology transfers for aviation, naval, and missile platforms, as India pushes to boost domestic manufacturing under its ‘Make in India’ initiative.

India’s proposed rocket-missile force could be built around weaponry including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi has said.

It is manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

Around 60% of the Indian military’s hardware is of Russian origin, and the two countries have expressed a willingness to further deepen ties.