Independence Day celebrations are underway in India. Camels carry weapons. Some find that redundant.

New Delhi – In the 1860s, the United States had the Union Army Camel Corps. The British military introduced the “Imperial Camel Corps” during World War I. And army camels still play a role today: the Indian military has now showcased its current camel contingent.

Dozens of camels belonging to the military’s border patrol troop march through the streets of Delhi during India’s Republic Day celebrations on Thursday (26 January), according to a military portal Tasks and Goals reported. Camel cavalry has been an integral part of the Indian military since the late 19th century when Maharaja Ganga Singh founded the Bikaner Camel Corps. A contingent of Border Security Force camels has been taking part in Republic Day parades since 1976. But this year’s parade was extraordinary in several ways. For the first time, riders were also there.

India: Camels in camouflage clothing carrying mortars and other weapons

At the same time, several animals march through the streets of Delhi in camouflage clothing: they have been given patches of jungle camouflage, carrying 81mm mortar systems and other weapons.

There are criticisms about it. Jungle camouflage and mortar systems were “overkill” for military parades, the report said Tasks and Goals. The mortar system appears to have been mounted on the dromedary hump. The portal questions the monster hump’s ability to absorb the shock of an 81mm mortar system.

Camel carrying mortar system: can it work?

However, using pack animals to haul heavy weapons across terrain that would prove extremely impassable to wheeled or tracked vehicles would not be a bad idea, they said. In fact, in 2004, the Army issued a Special Forces Warfare Guide. After all, India wants to become a superpower in Asia. (mse)