India's 77th Republic Day Parade Highlights Military Prowess and Operation Sindoor Valor
In a spectacular display of national pride and military strength, India's 77th Republic Day parade on Monday transformed Kartavya Path into a grand stage showcasing the country's defense capabilities. The event, witnessed by European chief guests and thousands of spectators, prominently featured the courage and valour displayed during Operation Sindoor, the conflict against Pakistan last year.
Operation Sindoor Takes Center Stage
The parade made a powerful statement with its detailed presentation of lethal weapon systems, missiles, anti-missile shields, and fighter jets deployed during the recent conflict. A glass-cased integrated operational centre rolled down Kartavya Path, depicting the conduct of Op Sindoor with advanced weapons systems including the formidable BrahMos and S-400 missiles.
India's air defense architecture was proudly displayed through two key pillars: the Akash weapon system and the ABHRA Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (MRSAM). These systems formed a robust layered shield for the Indian Army during the conflict last May, demonstrating the country's defensive capabilities.
Innovative Military Displays and First-Time Appearances
For the first time in Republic Day history, the parade showcased a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ of the Indian Army that included an aerial component. A tri-services tableau led by Captain Samira Buttar featured detailed replicas of major weapon systems deployed during Op Sindoor against Pakistan.
The military also flaunted cutting-edge technology including the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, Shaktibaan, and Divyastra, all equipped with advanced surveillance and targeting technologies. Mechanised columns displayed the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle alongside the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2, highlighting India's ground combat capabilities.
In another significant first, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, capable of engaging both static and moving targets while designed to carry various payloads.
International Participation and Special Contingents
The parade featured historic international participation with a military contingent from the European Union carrying the military staff flag and flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides. This marked the EU's first participation in such an event outside Europe, coinciding with the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as Republic Day chief guests.
Among the 18 marching contingents and 13 bands, debut appearances included the newly-raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Scouts contingent, and a specially-curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC).
Advanced Artillery and Drone Technology
Artillery systems on display demonstrated India's long-range precision strike capability with the Dhanush 155 mm, 45-calibre towed artillery gun and AMOGH Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). For the first time, the Army displayed several drone systems, robotic mules carrying assault rifles, all-terrain vehicles, and sharpshooters in the parade.
The parade also featured a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India's first indigenously-designed armoured light specialist vehicle making their debut appearances. Combat elements followed with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais, supported by aerial displays from US-made Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.
Aerial Displays and Honors
Before the parade commenced, President Droupadi Murmu honored IAF Group Captain and astronaut Subhanshu Shukla with the Ashok Chakra for his historic International Space Station mission. The aerial component of the celebration included 29 aircraft, with 16 fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhois—that were used in Op Sindoor—along with four transport aircraft and nine helicopters participating in the flypast.
The Indian Air Force deployed approximately 20 fighter jets along with Netra AEW&C aircraft to create an aerial shield against any possible threats to the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, ensuring the security of the grand event.
Led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area—a second-generation army officer—the 77th Republic Day parade successfully showcased India's military modernization, indigenous defense capabilities, and the operational successes of Operation Sindoor to both domestic and international audiences.
