Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on Monday that the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), indigenously designed and developed, will not participate in this year’s Republic Day flypast following the grounding of the fleet after a recent crash.
“The ALH will not be participating in the parade, but 39 other aircraft will feature in the flypast, showcasing 12 different formations,” Singh stated during a press conference.
The decision comes after a tragic crash of an ALH belonging to the Coast Guard in Porbandar, Gujarat, on January 5, which claimed the lives of three Coast Guard personnel. Following the incident, the armed forces grounded the entire fleet of approximately 330 ALH choppers as a precautionary measure.
Despite this, the Republic Day parade retains its military essence. Singh said. “The military and martial character of the parade is being maintained, but we are also bringing wider societal and cultural participation,” he added.
Preparations for the grand event are in full swing. Rehearsals at Kartavya Path on Monday featured MI-17 V-5 helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, and all-terrain vehicles.
Security measures have also been heightened ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The CISF has intensified passenger security checks across Metro stations, leading to potential queues, particularly during peak hours. Passengers are advised to plan their commutes with additional time and cooperate with security personnel.
Amid these preparations, the Indian Army’s Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as the “Daredevils,” achieved a world record at Kartavya Path on January 20. The team, part of the Corps of Signals, formed the highest human pyramid on moving motorcycles, standing an impressive 20.4 feet tall. The formation, comprising 40 men on 7 motorcycles, covered a distance of 2 kilometers from Vijay Chowk to India Gate.
(Inputs from ANI)
