Pralay Missile Debuts at R-Day Parade 2025, ALH to be Grounded

India is all set to demonstrate its advanced short-range surface-to-surface missile, Pralay, at this year’s Republic Day Parade. It will be the first time the Pralay missile will be showcased in public, marking an important milestone in India’s defense capabilities.

The missile, developed under the guidance of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has completed a series of trials and is soon to be tested by the Indian Army in user trials.

Pralay Missile and India’s Rocket Force

It includes the Pralay missile range, which runs between 150 and 500 kilometers, an enhancement of rocket power for future enhancement. The defense ministry had, recently, sanctioned purchases of 250 missiles, considering their importance in boosting the strength of the national missile defense shield. The use of the Pralay for the first time at the parade during Republic Day signifies India’s developments in homeland military technology besides strengthening the country with the modernity of defense.

Grand Performances and Dance Presentations

This year’s Republic Day Parade will be different from others as more than 5,000 dance artists will perform in the entire area of viewing space from Vijay Chowk to the India Gate C-hexagon. Vibrant cultural expressions will bring vibrancy to this event and will be a great visual treat to more than 77,000 visitors who will be present for the parade.

Triservice Tableau and Special Commemorations

First, a triservice tableau will be showcased, doing away with the usual separate tables of each service. This will also underline the jointness of the Indian armed forces. However, the Indian Navy will still have its tableau. The parade will also see special tableaux for the 150th birth anniversary of tribal hero Birsa Munda and the 150th year of the India Meteorological Department. A dedicated tableau for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nation will pay homage to its rich legacy.

Guests and Foreign Participation

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations, although Indian officials have denied any link to the sale of Brahmos missiles. As a representation of India-Indonesia ties, a 160-member marching contingent from Indonesia, along with a 190-member band contingent, will be a part of this celebration.

ALH is to be Grounded

The indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) will not be a part of this year’s flypast. The mishap happened when one of the ALHs crashed earlier this month and was subsequently grounded. Thus, the approximately 330 ALHs, which are being used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, would have to be temporarily grounded for safety reasons.

Invitations and Spectator Details

More than 77,000 spectators are expected to witness the grand parade of this year. So far, more than 32,000 tickets have been sold. Special invites have been sent to 10,000 prominent persons, including the heads of the villages who have successfully implemented the flagship schemes of the Government of India.

India’s Republic Day Parade 2025 will be a spectacular display of its defense capabilities, cultural diversity, and national achievements. The parade will have the Pralay missile for the first time, special commemorations, and international participation, making this year’s parade reflect India’s growth as a global power.