Full Dress Rehearsal Amid Rain
Lt. Choudhary and his contingent participated in the full dress rehearsal on January 23, despite rainy conditions. Dressed in multi-layered cold-weather uniforms with special boots and polarised sunglasses meant for high-altitude terrain, the contingent reflected the Army’s operational readiness.
Childhood Dream Comes True
Speaking to reporters after the rehearsal near India Gate, Lt. Choudhary said being part of the Republic Day Parade had always been a dream.
He recalled watching the parade on television as a child and practising the march at home, inspired by his father’s service, PTI reported.
Special Army Tableau This Year
Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, said the Army will present a special tableau themed on the Integrated Operation Centre, PTI said. The tableau will commemorate Operation Sindoor, highlighting the Army’s strategic planning process.
Also Read: Republic Day 2026: What India’s first parade after Operation Sindoor will showcase
Army Marching Contingents
Apart from the mixed Scouts contingent, five other Army units will march during the parade:
- Rajput Regiment
- Assam Regiment
- Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
- Regiment of Artillery
- Bhairav Battalion
Defence Systems on Display
Key defence assets to be showcased include BrahMos missile system, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’, Unmanned ground vehicles, and a static display of drones mounted on multiple platforms
61 Cavalry to March in Battle Gear
For the first time, the mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry will be seen in full battle gear instead of ceremonial dress. Army platforms, including indigenous systems, will roll down Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation, PTI reported.
Generations of Military Service
Many contingent commanders participating in the parade come from families with multiple generations of service in the armed forces.
Capt. Samira Z Buttar
Capt Samira Z Buttar, who will lead the Integrated Operation Centre contingent, said she felt proud and humbled to receive the honour of marching on Kartavya Path, according to PTI.
A fourth-generation Army officer, she said her grandfather, Brig Sampuran Singh, fought in the 1965 war and received the Maha Vir Chakra and the Vir Chakra. She added that the tableau would include a surprise element for spectators.
Also Read: Republic Day 2026: How women’s role in R-Day parade has changed over the years
Capt. Ahaan Kumar
Capt Ahaan Kumar, 26, will lead the iconic 61 Cavalry contingent, mounted on his charger ‘Ranveer’. He is the grandson of a war veteran and the son of Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, Parade Commander and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.
He said that while he wore a ceremonial uniform last year, marching in battle gear this time makes the experience different, the PTI reported.
Parade Scale and Duration
The Republic Day Parade will feature 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands, and is expected to last around 90 minutes.
Animal Contingent in the Parade
An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors (kites) and Army dogs will also be part of the parade.
‘Silent Warriors of the Army’
Capt. Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, described the animals as “silent warriors” of the Indian Army, PTI reported.
She said preparing them for operations and understanding their role in missions is crucial, as they act as force multipliers. A native of Bhopal, she is among the first batch of women officers in the RVC.
Also Read: Republic Day 2026: Remembering the unsung heroes who shaped India's Constitution
Unmanned Ground Vehicles Highlight
Capt. Vikas Yadav, a third-generation Army officer from the 1 Gurkha Rifles, will lead a contingent showcasing unmanned ground vehicles.
He said these systems are used for surveillance and logistics, can self-navigate, and carry mission-oriented payloads, including weapons, PTI said.
