Republic Day Parade 2026 To See Many Firsts: Suryastra System, Bhairav Battalion, Bactrian Camels

Republic Day Parade 2026: Rocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the Republic Day Parade for

the first time. Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade that will last around 90 minutes, according to the defence ministry.The 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26 will also see many other firsts this time. A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear will also be part of the parade for the first time.

The parade will also see the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery. The newly raised regiment will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone and loiter munition.

61 Cavalry To Walk in Battle Gear

Marking a first, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle gear, and key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied with personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation".The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence as its members wear ceremonial uniform and a striking headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade.

Bhairav Battalion To March on R-Day

Bhairav light commando battalion, the elite unit of the Indian Army, had also made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur. The battalion was raised around October last year. The Bhairav Battalion has been introduced to "bridge the gap" between the infantry and special forces.

#WATCH | Nasirabad, Rajasthan | Indian Army creates a pool of over one lakh drone operatives across the force, including its newly raised Special Force, Bhairav, to meet modern warfare challenges. These operatives are trained to handle drones and use them in real operations to… pic.twitter.com/ORWzsEkzoS

— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2026

India to Showcase BrahMos, Akash, Rafale

The defence assets that will be showcased during the parade will include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and a static display of some drones.Akash weapon system and MRSAM system are being fielded in this year's parade. Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade, Major General Dhillon said.

The flypast at the ceremonial event, to be held in two parts, will showcase a total of 29 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30, P8I, MiG-29, Apache, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), Mi-17 helicopters in different formations and transport aircraft C-130 and C-295.

Animal Contingent to Take Part in R-Day Parade

An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors (kites) and Army dogs will also take part in this year's parade.Captain Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors and a few Army dogs. "These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors, making them operationally ready, and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are true force multipliers of the Indian Army," she told PTI.Raghav, a native of Madhya Pradesh, and whose father served in the Indian Air Force, said she is "among the first batch of women officers at the RVC".

India to Witness Battle Array Formation

In a new format introduced this year, key Army assets including indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation".This means they will move down the ceremonial boulevard in a formation as they would in any battle scenario, starting with reconnaissance, followed by other military units such as logistics and personnel accompanying these platforms, who will be seen wearing battle gear, they said, adding that this new format seeks to make parade-watching more engaging for spectators. The aerial component will also be shown in a "battle array formation".

https://youtu.be/6PxooJWBGsg?si=6vgO9jYhjxANtaGl

Who Will be the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2026

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will be the chief guests at the parade. An officer of the colonel rank will lead a small EU contingent mounted on a vehicle and following him will be four flag-bearers, riding two different vehicles, Major General Dhillon said.Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, told reporters that about 6,000 defence personnel will be part of the Republic Day parade this year.(With inputs from PTI)