India's indigenously built light combat aircraft, Tejas in its maiden appearance at the Republic Day took everyone by surprise as it flew past over Rajpath and led the fleet of fighter aircraft.
After a gap of about two decades when Marut, an indigenously developed aircraft took to the skies on Republic Day, the Tejas fighter aircraft was introduced.
led by Group Captain Madhav Rangachari, three Tejas jets flew in 'Vic' formation at a height of 300 meters and 780 kmph. The lightweight, supersonic, multi-role single seat fighter was inducted in Indian Air Force's 45 squadron 'Flying Daggers' in July last year.
Besides the lCA, "Netra", an Airborne Early Warning and Control System that can detect enemy aircraft from a distance of 400 kms and direct fighter jets to destroy them, was also part of the fly past. Netra is undergoing evaluation and will soon be inducted into the IAF.
Three Mi-35 helicopters, three Super Hercules C-130J, military transporter C-17 Globemaster, two Su-30 MKIs and five Jaguar fighter jets were part of the aerial display.
The audience burst into an un-ending applause when the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI aircraft performed thrilling manoeuvres.
The Indian Army's T-90 and BMP tanks, Bramhos missiles, Dhanush gun system and Weapon locating Radars (WlR) Swati were the main attraction at the parade.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation also showcased its Advanced Towed Artillery System and Medium Power Radar Arudha.
With its submarine arm completing 50 years in service, the Indian Navy displayed submarines Kalvari and Khandheri, and warship Chennai along with mannequins of the elite Marine commandos.
A model of P-81 longtime Maritime Patrol Aircraft, induction of which has greatly enhanced surveillance capability in high seas, was also part of the Navy's tableau.