Vintage 25-pounder artillery to be replaced with Indian field gun for firing 21-Gun Salute during R-Day Parade

 

New Delhi : The vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that traditionally fires the thundering ceremonial 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations will be replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year, as the government makes a further push for its Make in India initiative.

During a press interaction here on Monday, Chief of Staff Delhi Area Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar said, “We are transitioning towards indigenisation” and the “time is not far when all are equipment will be ‘swadeshi'”.

All equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations are made-in-India, he said, adding that the Akash weapon system and helicopters, Rudra and ALH Dhruv, will also be part of it. “This year the 21-Gun Salute will be fired by the 105 mm Indian field guns replacing the 25-pounders,” he said.