Republic Day 2026: The many firsts at this year’s parade – Firstpost

India is gearing up for its 77th Republic Day. This year, January 26, the day the country celebrates the adoption of the Constitution, will witness several firsts.

The theme of the Republic Day Parade 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”. President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at this year’s parade.

What’s all different this time? Let’s take a look.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

‘Phased battle array’

This is India’s first Republic Day Parade after Operation Sindoor. In May 2025, the Indian military struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The two countries were engaged in a four-day conflict during which India inflicted significant damage to Pakistan’s airbases.

India’s military prowess will be on display as it holds the Republic Day Parade on Monday.
The Indian Army will follow a recent format this year. Officials told PTI that key Army assets, including indigenous platforms, along with personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a “phased battle array formation”.

More from Explainers In a first, Indian Air Force to showcase Operation Sindoor formation on Republic Day Republic Day 2026: Automated guest arrivals, smart parking in Delhi police's digital strategy for Kartavya Path

For the first time, these assets will move down the ceremonial boulevard in a formation similar to any battle scenario. It will begin with reconnaissance, followed by other military units such as logistics and personnel accompanying these platforms, officials noted.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh noted the move aims to showcase the armed forces’ operational elements. “The idea is to weave a story of how equipment and manpower are brought together in battle,” he said.

Singh remarked the recent format will make the parade-watching more engaging for spectators.

“The aerial component will also be shown in battle array formation,” he added.

According to the Ministry of Defence, some personnel will participate in the Republic Day celebrations in full battle gear.

Quick Reads

View All

Explained: From princes to President, the tradition of 21-gun salute at R-Day parade

The Word of the Week is Davos. Trump, Carney, Macron tell us why

Many firsts at 2026 R-Day Parade

The Indian Army’s Bhairav Light Commando Battalion will make its debut at the 2026 Republic Day Parade.

The Bhairav units are elite forces that aim to act as a bridge between Special Forces and regular infantry. They are integrated formations attracting personnel from arms such as air defence, artillery and signals.

“Designed to be lean and lethal, these battalions are built for rapid, high-impact operations along India’s borders with China and Pakistan,” Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, Director General of the Indian Army’s Arm of Infantry, declared in October 2025.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

VIDEO | Indian Army's newly raised warfare force 'Bhairav Battalion' to make its debut in Republic Day parade.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/mIvu61oxoe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 20, 2026

He reported at the time that five Bhairav battalions are fully functional, while four more are in the process of being raised. Sixteen more will be operational within the next six months.

In a historic first, a woman officer will lead a male contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Republic Day Parade. CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, a 26-year-old resident of Jammu and Kashmir, will head the contingent of over 140 male personnel at Kartavya Path in Delhi on January 26, ANI reported, citing officials.

This year’s Republic Day Parade will also reflect the importance of animals in safeguarding India’s borders.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Animals of the Indian Army will march along Kartavya Path, signalling India’s high-altitude military capability.

In a first, the armed force will exhibit a carefully curated animal contingent of the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC), underlining the crucial role played by animals in protecting the nation’s most challenging frontiers.

“The contingent will feature two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian breed Army dogs, along with six conventional military dogs already in service,” the Indian Army declared, as per The New Indian Express (TNIE).

It noted that they represent a mix of tradition, innovation and self-reliance in the army’s operational ecosystem.

The Bactrian camels, recently inducted for operations in Ladakh’s cold deserts, will lead the column. According to the army, their induction has increased the logistical support and mounted patrolling capability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in sandy terrain and steep gradients.

The Zanskar ponies, a rare and indigenous mountain breed from Ladakh, have been deployed in some of the harshest terrains, including the Siachen Glacier.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Four raptors will be part of the contingent, signalling the innovative use of the birds of prey that employ their natural capabilities for operational safety and effectiveness. “Adding sharp-eyed vigilance to the formation,” these are used for bird-strike control and surveillance.

Indian Army’s ‘silent warriors’ are set to steal the show at the 2026 Republic Day Parade. The Army dogs aid troops in carrying out counter-terrorism operations, explosive and mine detection, tracking, guarding, disaster response and search-and-rescue missions.

The army has been enhancing the induction of indigenous dog breeds such as Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam. It declared that the presence of these animals at Kartavya Path will underline India’s push towards self-reliance in defence and the successful integration of native breeds into specialised military roles.

As the animal contingent marches past the saluting dais on Republic Day, it will be a vivid reminder of India’s defence prowess, which is not just developed by machines and soldiers.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

India’s military might on display

The Republic Day 2026 will be a display of India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). Indigenous and made-in-India systems will be a major highlight of the parade.

These include Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Light Combat Helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter, the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akash air defence system — which were deployed during Operation Sindoor, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Arjun main battle tank, and a recent universal rocket launch system.

In a nod to the increasing role of automation and artificial intelligence on the battlefield, robotic mules and unmanned ground vehicles will also be a part of the parade.

“A large portion of the equipment and systems on display will either be made in or designed in India,” Defence Secretary Singh said.

The Airbus C295 transport aircraft, which is now made in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, will also participate. It will be accompanied by American-origin AH-64 Apache helicopters and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft will, however, not be a part of the R-Day parade.

With inputs from agencies

TagsIndia Republic DayHomeExplainersBhairav Battalion, animal contingent and more... How this R-Day parade will be differentEnd of Article