Republic Day 2026: From smart glasses to anti-drone units, inside Delhi’s high-tech security measures for the parade

As India prepares to celebrate the 77th Republic Day on January 26, authorities in Delhi have put in place one of the most technologically advanced and layered security operations ever seen for the event.

Security forces have ramped up patrols, surveillance and crowd checks across the city and the National Capital Region (NCR), aiming to ensure the celebrations at Kartavya Path are peaceful and incident-free.

Officials from the Delhi Police said comprehensive preparations include multiple checkpoints at key entry and exit points to the capital, increased vehicle checks and widespread monitoring of movement in and around the parade site.

Cutting-edge tech meets traditional security

In a major shift from past practices, police will deploy AI-enabled smart glasses fitted with facial recognition and thermal imaging systems to strengthen surveillance.

The wearable technology can scan faces in crowded areas and compare them in real time with police databases, flagging known criminals or suspicious individuals. Selected personnel stationed along the parade route will use these glasses to detect potential threats quickly.

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Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahala said the force is increasingly depending on technology-driven solutions to enhance public safety, integrating CCTV cameras, video analytics and the new smart glasses to improve threat detection, as per news agency, PTI.

VIDEO | Delhi Police has made elaborate, and robust security arrangements for Republic Day 2026, using the technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, under which, police personnel will be donning a wearable glass, with capability to identify movement of suspected persons.… pic.twitter.com/QN7110Xg8o

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2026

Anti-drone units have also been deployed to monitor the airspace above high-profile areas, with unmanned aerial systems banned near sensitive zones to prevent misuse. Sniper teams are stationed on high-rise buildings, adding another layer to aerial security.

Also read | Who are Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, top EU officials and Republic Day chief guests?

Behind the scenes: Verification and patrolling

Security officials are leaving no stone unturned. Authorities are conducting extensive verification drives of hotels, guest houses, tenants and domestic staff across New Delhi district to identify any possible risks. Verification and surveillance efforts extend to surrounding high-footfall areas such as bus stops, railway stations and markets.

Multi-agency coordination includes Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and intelligence units working together in command and control centres that monitor thousands of CCTV feeds across the city. Police have also urged the public to cooperate with checks and report any suspicious behaviour or objects.