Do You Know These Five Firsts At R-Day Parade This Year?

New Delhi: The 71st Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Saturday witnessed many firsts.

#1 — Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial, instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti, ahead of the majestic parade at Rajpath.

#2 — An all-women bikers contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force made its debut at the parade. The contingent was commanded by Inspector Seema Nag, who is posted with the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

#3 — The much awaited grand finale, the “Trishul” flypast was carried out by three Advanced Light Helicopters. This was the first time that a “tri-service formation” took part in a Republic Day parade. This was followed by the “’Vic” formation of Chinook helicopters, used for airlifting diverse loads to remote locations.

#4 — In a show of military strength, the Anti-Satellite Weapons from Mission Shakti, the Dhanush artillery, the newly-inducted Chinook heavy lift and Apache attack choppers were at display for the first time during the parade.

#5 — A contingent of the Corps of Army Air Defence marched for the first time in the Republic Day parade.