Republic Day Parade to see many firsts: Suryastra system, Bhairav Battalion, Bactrian camels
Rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra’ with deep strike capabilities, newly upgraded Bhairav light commando battalion and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the Republic Day Parade for the first time, officials said on Friday, January 23, 2026.
In a first, unit members of the 61st Cavalry will be seen in combat gear and key Army assets, including indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, will descend the Kartavya Road in a “phased battle formation formation”.
Known for its imposing presence as its members wear ceremonial uniforms and eye-catching headgear, the 61st Cavalry has traditionally been the leading unit of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade.
During the parade, the first opening of the Shaktiban Regiment established in the artillery units will also be held. The newly formed regiment will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone and stray munitions.
Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Army Staff, Delhi Zone, told reporters that around 6,000 defense personnel will participate in the parade.
The 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26 will witness many more firsts this time.
A mixed group of scouts, seen in heavy thermal suits, will also be part of the parade for the first time, they said.
Bhairav light commando battalion had also held its Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15. The battalion was mustered out around October last year.
NCC Band during the full dress rehearsal of the 2026 Republic Day parade amid rain on Kartavya Road in New Delhi on January 23, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI
Defense assets to be displayed at the parade will include static display of BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and some unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Ministry of Defense said that 18 marching units and 13 marching bands will participate in the parade, which will last approximately 90 minutes.
It was stated that an animal group consisting of Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels and dogs will also participate in the parade.
Bhairav Battalion was formed to “bridge the gap” between infantry and special forces.
India will showcase its military power and cultural heritage at the ceremony, which will last approximately 90 minutes.
This year’s parade features the Akash weapon system and the MRSAM system. Major General Dhillon said that the Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS ‘Suryastra’, which can carry out surface-to-surface attacks up to 300 kilometers, was exhibited at the parade for the first time.
An animal contingent of Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, birds of prey (kites) and Army dogs will also participate 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 several Army dogs.
“These animals are just soldiers of the Indian Army. In fact, they are silent warriors, making them operationally ready and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are the real force multipliers of the Indian Army,” he said. PTI.
Raghav, a native of Madhya Pradesh whose father served in the Indian Air Force, said she was “among the first batch of women officers in the RVC.”
In the new format introduced this year, key Army assets, including indigenous platforms, will pass through Kartavya Road in a “phased order of battle formation” accompanied by personnel, officials said.
This means they will move down the parade boulevard, as in any war scenario, starting with reconnaissance and then moving forward with other military units such as logistics and personnel who can be seen wearing combat gear accompanying these platforms, officials said, adding that this new format aims to make the parade more interesting for spectators.
The air component will also be displayed in a “battle array formation.”
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 C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft, will be exhibited at the ceremony event, which will be held in two parts.
The chief guests of the parade will be European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Major General Dhillon said that the delegation would be led by a small EU contingent consisting of an officer of the rank of colonel, and added that in his squad he would be followed by four flag carriers using three different vehicles.
The Republic Day Parade will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the brave hearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Zone, will be the Parade Commander.
His 26-year-old son, Captain Ahaan Kumar, a third-generation officer, will lead the iconic 61 Cavalry unit; It’s an honor he also held at the 2025 parade, following in the footsteps of his father, who was literally the Parade Commander. As the unit commander, he will return to Kartvaya Road with his horse ‘Ranveer’, a Hanoverian breed.
“Last year we wore our parade uniform and carried swords. This time we are seen in our battle fatigues, so this parade also feels like a new experience,” he said. PTI.
The main theme of this year’s parade is 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
