M777A2 howitzers, K-9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade

January 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry
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M777A2 howitzers and indigenous K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers were displayed for the first time during the 70th Republic Day parade on 26 January, boosting the image of the "Make in India" motto.

M777A2 howitzers K 9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade
K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers parading for the first time on January 26, 2019, for the Indian National Day (Picture source: DNA)

Transport Satellite Terminal (TST), Surface Mine Clearing System (SMCS) and Troop Level Radar were also exhibited as part of the Army's mechanised columns on the ceremonial boulevard. The BAE Systems M777A2 Lightweight Howitzers and K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers were new additions this year, Maj. Gen. Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, told reporters two days earlier.Vajra is a symbol of the prime minister's "Make in India" initiative, Punia said. For the first time in Indian history, an all-women marching contingent of the Assam Rifles took part in the 90-minute parade.

M777A2 howitzers K 9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade 4
M777A2 Ligyhtweight howitzers (Picture source: indiacelebrating.com)

T-90 Brishma main battle tanks, Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-2/2K), Akash launchers were also showcased in the mechanised columns.

M777A2 howitzers K 9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade 2
T-90 Brishma  (Picture source: indiacelebrating.com)

M777A2 howitzers K 9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade 3
BMP-2 (Picture source: indiacelebrating.com) 

M777A2 howitzers K 9 Vajra SPH displayed for first time at Indian Republic Day Parade 5
BMP-2 with mine clearing system preceding K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers (Picture source: indiacelebrating.com)