India to Showcase Its True Strength on Republic Day 2026: Here’s What Makes This Year Special

This year, on its 77th Republic Day, India will witness an unprecedented display of military might and national pride along Delhi’s iconic Kartavya Path. The parade promises several firsts, including the long-range rocket launcher system Suryastr, the newly formed Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Zanskar Tattu, and Bactrian camels. Additionally, the newly raised Shaktibaan Regiment, equipped with drones and anti-drone systems, will make its debut.

Every year on January 26, India celebrates Republic Day with grandeur, and 2026 will be no exception. The Republic Day parade in the national capital will feature several historic firsts. For the first time, the long-range rocket launcher system Suryastr, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Zanskar Tattu, and Bactrian camels will participate in the parade.

Debut of Shaktibaan Regiment
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, members of the 61st Cavalry Regiment will be seen on horseback, equipped with combat gear and indigenous equipment, advancing in a “phased war formation” along Kartavya Path. The Shaktibaan Regiment will also make its inaugural appearance, showcasing cutting-edge drones and anti-drone technology.

Tri-Service Tableau to Steal the Show
The tri-service tableau of the Indian Armed Forces will be the highlight of this year’s parade. The display, themed “Operation Sindur: Victory Through Jointness,” will reflect India’s evolving military strategy. It emphasizes precision strikes, coordination among the three forces, and the pivotal role of indigenous strength in achieving victory. Notably, under Operation Sindur, the Indian Armed Forces neutralized nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year, underscoring the growing strength of a self-reliant India.

Six Army Contingents to March in the Parade
Six marching contingents of the Indian Army will participate, including the Mixed Scouts, Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, and the Bhairav Battalion. Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, and Delhi Police contingents will also march in step. The parade will display India’s formidable firepower, featuring T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, BMP-2 Sarath and missile systems, Dhruv, Rudra, Apache, and Prachand helicopters, and Akash, MR-SAM, and BrahMos missile systems.

Around 6,065 personnel will take part in this grand spectacle, which will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. Twelve military bands and eight pipe bands will further elevate the grandeur of the event.

The 77th Republic Day parade will project a modern, technologically advanced, and self-reliant Indian Army—fully prepared to meet any challenge while showcasing India’s growing indigenous strength.