Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 25: Several new military capabilities will be showcased at the Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path, with the Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’ and the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion marking their first-ever appearance at the ceremonial event.
As the nation celebrates its 77th Republic Day on Monday, the parade will feature a wide array of defence assets, including the BrahMos missile, Akash air defence system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban regiment platforms and a static display of drones. The parade will be led by General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar.
Around 6,000 defence personnel will participate in the parade, PTI reported, quoting Delhi Area Chief of Staff Major General Navraj Dhillon.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests. This year’s Republic Day celebrations are themed ‘150 years of Vande Mataram’.
Among the major highlights is the Suryastra rocket launcher system, capable of surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, showcasing India’s growing deep-strike capabilities. The Bhairav light commando battalion, raised in October 2025 and designed to bridge the operational gap between infantry and special forces, will also roll down Kartavya Path for the first time. The battalion had earlier made its debut during the Army Day parade in Jaipur earlier this month.
Other first-time additions include a mixed scouts contingent clad in heavy thermal gear, four Zanskar ponies, two Bactrian camels, four raptors, and Army dogs. Captain Harshita Raghav will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent.
In another significant departure from tradition, the mounted 61 Cavalry, which usually leads the parade in ceremonial uniform, will appear in battle gear this year as part of a ‘phased battle array formation’. Under this format, troops will move in formations replicating actual battlefield scenarios, starting from reconnaissance elements to logistics and combat support units.
The Shaktiban regiment, equipped with drones, counter-drone systems and loitering munitions, will also make its maiden appearance at the Republic Day parade.
The flypast will feature 29 aircraft in two phases, including Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, P-8I, Apache, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Mi-17 helicopters, and transport aircraft such as C-130 and C-295.
In total, 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will take part in the parade, which is expected to last around 90 minutes, according to the defence ministry.