India's Republic Day Parade to Spotlight Indigenous Defence Capabilities and New Formations
India is set to display a formidable array of indigenous and frontline military platforms during the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The event, scheduled for Monday, will feature advanced systems including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and the Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’. This showcase underscores the nation's growing prowess in defence manufacturing and its commitment to self-reliance.
New Army Units and Formations Make Their Debut
At the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Army will introduce several newly-raised units and formations, reflecting enhanced military capabilities. For the first time, the Bhairav light commando battalion, the Shaktiban Regiment, along with Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, will participate in the ceremonial parade. Additionally, the mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry will appear in full battle gear, a departure from its traditional ceremonial attire, emphasizing operational readiness.
Phased Battle Array and Aerial Displays
Army columns, accompanied by personnel, will move along Kartavya Path in a phased “battle array formation”. This segment will include an aerial component featuring a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India's first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle. Aerial support will be provided by the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra, flying in Prahar formation to demonstrate battlefield shaping.
Combat and Mechanised Segments
The combat segment will showcase T-90 Bhisma tanks and the indigenous Main Battle Tank Arjun, supported from the air by Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and the Prachand light combat helicopter. Other mechanised columns will include the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2. A range of major defence assets will be displayed, such as the BrahMos cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Divyastra Battery, and a static display of select drones.
First-Time Showcases and Special Attractions
The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) Suryastra, capable of surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will be showcased for the first time. The Shaktiban Regiment, an artillery unit equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions, will also make its debut. A tri-services tableau depicting replicas of major weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be a major attraction, symbolizing India's resolve to respond decisively to national security challenges. A glass-cased integrated operational centre offering a brief depiction of Operation Sindoor will also roll down Kartavya Path.
DRDO's Advanced Missile and Aerial Fly-Past
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets with multiple payloads. The aerial fly-past, one of the most anticipated segments, will feature 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft, and nine helicopters. Participating aircraft include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighters, along with transport and surveillance assets like the C-130, C-295, and the Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft, flying in formations named Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna, and Vijay.
Event Details and Chief Guests
The Republic Day celebrations, led by President Droupadi Murmu, will begin at 10:30 am and last for about 90 minutes. The overarching theme of the event is “150 years of Vande Mataram”, highlighting India's development journey, cultural diversity, and military strength. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at the celebrations.
