Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 26: The Indian Army is set to create history at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path by presenting its combat capabilities in a first-of-its-kind “Phased Battle Array format”, officially termed Ranbhoomi Vyuh Rachna. The innovative display will depict a realistic battlefield sequence, showcasing indigenous and advanced military assets in tactical order, from reconnaissance to deep strike and air defence.
According to an official government release, the new format reflects how troops and equipment are deployed during actual combat operations. The sequence begins with intelligence and reconnaissance elements, followed by main combat forces and concluding with support and protection systems.
The Recce element will feature the historic 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform, followed by the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle, India’s first indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle. Aerial battlefield shaping will be demonstrated by the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra, flying in Prahar formation.
The combat phase will include T-90 Bhishma and Arjun Main Battle Tanks, supported by Apache AH-64E and Prachand Light Combat Helicopters. Mechanised columns comprising BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles and the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2 will also be part of the display.
A Special Forces detachment will follow, showcasing Ajayketu All-Terrain Vehicles, Randhwaj Rugged Terrain Tactical Transport Systems and Dhawansak Light Strike Vehicles. This will be succeeded by robotic dogs, unmanned ground vehicles and four autonomous unmanned ground systems — Nigraha, Bhairav, Bhuviraksha and Krishna — mounted on specialised carriers.
Highlighting next-generation warfare, the support element will feature India’s unmanned warhead arsenal through Shaktibaan and Divyastra, mounted on High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6x6). These platforms are equipped with a wide range of loitering munitions, including Harop, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS variants and Sky Striker, capable of launching swarm drones and long-range strike drones exceeding 1,000 km.
Artillery systems such as the indigenous Dhanush Gun System and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) will underline the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The display will further showcase deep strike capabilities through the supersonic BrahMos weapon system alongside the indigenous Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System.
Air defence capabilities will be represented by the Akash Weapon System and the Abhra Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system.
The Battle Array format will also feature a glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre, offering a brief depiction of the conduct of Operation Sindoor. The release noted that the operation symbolised a blend of “Virasat, Vividhata aur Vikas”, with BrahMos delivering decisive strikes and missile systems like Akash and S-400 providing a protective shield, reflecting the Sudarshan Chakra vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.