The 77th Republic Day parade on January 26 will witness several firsts, including the Surjastra missile launcher system with deep strike capabilities, the newly established Bhairav light commando battalion and Zanskar ponies and two-humped camels.
India will showcase its military might and cultural heritage at a ceremonial event that will last about 90 minutes.
Suryastra (Universal Rocket Launcher System) during Republic Day 2026 parade full dress rehearsal(YEAR)
According to a Defense Ministry press release, the defense assets to be showcased during the show will include BrahMos, Akash Missile System, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (MRSAM), Advanced Tawed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush Artillery Gun, Shaktiban and a static display of some drones.
Universal rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’ carrying rockets passes by during a rain-affected dress rehearsal at the Republic Day parade(Hindustan Times)Read also | Republic Day: When will the main guests António Costa and Ursula der Leyen arrive?
The Akash weapon system and the MRSAM system are deployed at this year’s show. Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS ‘Suryastra’, which can conduct surface strikes up to a distance of 300 km, is being showcased for the first time at the parade, Major General Dhillon told PTI.
Bhairav Battalion personnel during the Republic Day rehearsals at Kartavya Path in New Delhi(PTI)
The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion also made its debut at the Army Day Parade on 15 January in Jaipur. The battalion was built around October last year.
The Bhairav Battalion was introduced to “bridge the gap” between infantry and special forces.
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Members of the 61 Cavalry Mounted Contingent will be the first to be seen in battle gear, and key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a “phase cluster formation”.
The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence as its members wear a ceremonial uniform and conspicuous headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces on parade.
A mixed scout battalion marches during a rain-affected dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade(Hindustan Times)
The parade, which will last about 90 minutes, will feature 18 marching contingents and 13 bands. A mixed contingent of Scouts seen in their heavy thermal gear will also be part of the parade for the first time, the Ministry of Defense said.
Personnel of the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) of the Indian Army walk alongside their Zanskar ponies during a rehearsal before the Republic Day parade in Delhi (AFP)
An animal contingent including Zanskar ponies, two-humped camels and dogs will also be part of the parade, the ministry said.
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Captain Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent would include two two-humped camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors and several army dogs.
“These animals are only soldiers of the Indian Army. In fact, they are silent warriors which makes them ready for operations and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are the real force multipliers of the Indian Army,” she told PTI.
Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force fly past during rehearsals for the Republic Day parade in Delhi(PTI)
The air component will also be displayed in “battlefield formation”.
The flyover for the two-part event will feature a total of 29 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30, P8I, MiG-29, Apache, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), Mi-17 helicopters in various formations and C-2950 and C transport aircraft.
