The Indian Army is set to present a combat-ready and future-oriented profile at the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path, with the debut of a first-of-its-kind “Battle Array” formation designed to replicate real-time battlefield deployment.
For the first time, the S-400 air defence system, credited with protecting India and inflicting heavy damages to Pakistan during the military conflict in May last year — will be showcased in the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) tableau at the Republic Day 2026 parade.
The advanced missile system was effectively deployed during Operation Sindoor. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh had confirmed in August last year that India’s S-400 system shot down five Pakistani fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terror infrastructure and launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Tribute to Operation Sindoor
For the first time in parade history, the Army’s marching and mechanised columns will be arranged in an offensive, combat-oriented sequence, providing a visual demonstration of how modern operations are planned and executed.
Dubbed Ranbhoomi Vyuh Rachna or the Battle Array, the formation showcases an integrated force structure, combining intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance units, mechanised forces, aviation assets, special forces, artillery, air defence and logistics.
The formation highlights the Indian Army’s capability to conduct data-driven operations, deliver long-range precision strikes and operate deep within enemy territory, while remaining shielded by a robust, layered air defence network.
The display also pays tribute to the success of Operation Sindoor, underscoring seamless jointness with sister services and the growing induction of indigenous platforms under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Several units and platforms will make their debut at the Republic Day Parade, including the Bhairav Battalion, Shaktiban Regiment and Divyastra Battery. A wide array of indigenous systems will also be showcased, such as the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Universal Rocket Launcher System, unmanned ground vehicles, robotic dogs, drones, loitering munitions and rugged terrain transport platforms.
EU Contingent to Participate
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests at this year’s Republic Day parade.
A small European Union contingent, led by an officer of colonel rank, will head the delegation, followed by four flag-bearers.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase some of its path-breaking innovations for national security. In addition to displaying a long-range anti-ship hypersonic missile (LR-AShM), DRDO will present a tableau on naval technologies for combat submarines.
Bactrian Camels to Zanskar Ponies on R Day
For the first time, a unique contingent of “animal soldiers” — including Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies — will march down Kartavya Path during the 90-minute Republic Day parade on Monday, alongside 6,050 military personnel.
As per Times of India, the rare contingent will be led by Captain Harshita Yadav, daughter of a retired Indian Air Force officer and a member of the first batch of the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps.
Speaking to Times, she said, “This contingent is very uniquely curated. There are two Bactrian camels from Ladakh, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors (specially-trained birds of prey), 10 military dogs, mostly indigenously-bred. They are all Army soldiers and have different operational roles.”
The Bactrian camels, recently inducted into Army operations, are perfectly suited to extreme cold, thin air and altitudes above 15,000 feet. They can carry loads of up to 250 kg and traverse long distances across cold deserts. Captain Harshita also highlighted the Army’s use of indigenously bred dogs, trained primarily for detection and protection roles.
As per TOI, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, said Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC, Delhi Area, will command the parade for the fourth time. He added that several units and technologies will make their debut this year, including the Shaktiban Regiment, drone shakti, robotic mules, Ladakh Scouts, and a Battalion formation.
Defence Assets on Display
Key defence assets on display will include BrahMos, the Akash missile system, the Medium Range Surface-To-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and a static display of drones.
The newly raised Shaktiban Regiment, part of the artillery, will be equipped with drones, counter-drone systems and loiter munitions. Maj Gen Dhillon said the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’, capable of surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will also be showcased for the first time.
A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will participate in the parade. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend as chief guests. A small EU contingent will also feature, led by a colonel-rank officer, followed by four flag-bearers.
Women officers will have a strong presence this year. CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala will become the first woman officer to lead an all-male contingent. Captain Samira, a fourth-generation Army officer, will command an Army tableau showcasing the success of Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Air Force flypast will feature a special formation titled “Operation Sindoor”, reflecting air dominance achieved during the four-day hostilities with Pakistan last May. A total of 29 aircraft — including 16 fighters, nine helicopters and four transport planes — will take part in the flypast.
This year, 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, with the central theme of the parade being “150 years of Vande Mataram.”
