From Suryastra to Shaktiban, Republic Day parade to see many firsts on Kartavya Path

India’s 77th Republic Day Parade will be held on January 26 along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, featuring around 6,000 defence personnel, multiple newly inducted Army platforms, animal contingents, and a large aerial display, officials said on Friday.

The event will last about 90 minutes and will be attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa as chief guests, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin proceedings by paying homage at the National War Memorial. Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, will serve as the Parade Commander.

New combat systems make parade debut

The Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS ‘Suryastra’, capable of surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will be showcased for the first time. Other key systems on display will include BrahMos, the Akash missile system, the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Dhanush artillery gun and Shaktiban, along with a static display of some drones.

The parade will also mark the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, set up in the artillery and equipped with drone, counter-drone and loiter munition capabilities.

In a first, contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry will appear in battle gear instead of their traditional ceremonial uniform and headgear. The unit has historically led the armed forces’ ceremonial parade.

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Officials said a new format introduced this year will see key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, move down Kartavya Path in a “phased battle array formation”. This mirrors battlefield movement, beginning with reconnaissance and followed by other units such as logistics, with personnel seen in battle gear. The format is intended to make the parade more engaging for spectators. The aerial component will also be presented in a similar “battle array formation”.

Bhairav battalion and mixed scouts contingent

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, introduced to “bridge the gap” between the infantry and special forces, will be part of the parade. The battalion had earlier made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur and was raised around October last year.

A mixed scouts contingent wearing heavy thermal gear will also take part for the first time.

Animal contingent and Remount Veterinary Corps

An animal contingent will feature Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors (kites) and Army dogs. Captain Harshita Raghav will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) coclvkdslkdntingent, which 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.

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Raghav, a native of Madhya Pradesh whose father served in the Indian Air Force, said she is “among the first batch of women officers at the RVC”.

Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will participate in the parade, the Defence Ministry said. India’s military capability and cultural heritage will be on display throughout the approximately 90-minute ceremony.

Flypast and aircraft formations

The flypast, to be conducted in two parts, will include 29 aircraft. These will include Rafale, Su-30, P8I, MiG-29, Apache, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Mi-17 helicopters in different formations, and transport aircraft C-130 and C-295.

A small EU contingent will also attend. An officer of colonel rank will lead the delegation, followed by four flag-bearers riding in three different vehicles, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, said.