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India’s evolving military doctrine and combat readiness were on full display at the Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path on Monday, as the armed forces marked the 77th Republic Day with a sweeping demonstration of joint operations, indigenous platforms and lessons drawn from recent combat experience, including Operation Sindoor.
For the first time, the parade moved away from the traditional, segmented display of platforms and units. It adopted a narrative-driven format titled the “Phased Battle Array”, depicting how a modern military operation unfolds, from reconnaissance to strike and deep penetration. The concept was inspired by Operation Sindoor, conducted in May last year.
Aerial power and battlefield dominance
The aerial segment featured attack and combat helicopters central to India’s battlefield doctrine. The RUDRA armed helicopter, Apache AH-64E and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand carried out coordinated flypasts, underscoring the armed forces’ emphasis on precision strike and close air support.
The Apache AH-64E, equipped with the Longbow Fire Control Radar, Hellfire missiles and a 30-mm chain gun, demonstrated its role as a tank-killer capable of day-night operations in all terrains. The indigenous LCH Prachand, developed for high-altitude warfare, highlighted India’s growing capability to deploy offensive air assets in mountainous regions.
Armour and mechanised forces
On the ground, the Army’s armoured and mechanised strength took centre stage. The T-90 Bhishma main battle tank, commanded by Captain Vipanjot Singh Virk of the 77 Armoured Regiment, rolled down Kartavya Path, reflecting upgrades in firepower, mobility and drone-enabled surveillance that have enhanced its performance in high-altitude operations, including during Operation Sindoor.
The indigenously developed Arjun Mk I main battle tank, led by Major Hitesh Mehta of the 75 Armoured Regiment, was also part of the mechanised column, reinforcing the Army’s continued reliance on a mix of imported and indigenous platforms.
Operation Sindoor takes centre stage
A glass-encased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor drew sustained attention from spectators. The display highlighted the coordination between intelligence, air power, ground forces and air defence during the operation.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 8 last year, carrying out airstrikes on nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people, most of them tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. The S-400 air defence system, which played a key role during the operation, was also showcased during the parade.
Combat support and new-age warfare
Under the combat support segment, Divyastra and Shaktibaan systems reflected the Army’s push towards networked warfare and indigenisation. Mounted on specialised vehicles, the systems are equipped with swarm drones, tethered drones and the indigenous hybrid UAV ZOLT, used for artillery fire direction.
A range of loitering munitions, HAROP, Mini HARPY, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended and Medium Range) and SKY STRIKER, highlighted the growing role of autonomous systems in modern combat.
Historic firsts at the parade
Several units and formations made their Republic Day debut. The newly raised Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, a specialised assault unit bridging conventional infantry and special forces, marched for the first time. The Shaktibaan Regiment, a new artillery formation integrating advanced drone technologies, also debuted.
A mixed scouts contingent, comprising personnel from Ladakh, Dogra, Arunachal, Kumaon, Garhwal and Sikkim Scouts, appeared in full operational winter gear, reflecting the Army’s sustained deployment in extreme conditions.
In another first, the elite 61 Cavalry contingent rode in combat gear instead of ceremonial uniforms, aligning with the parade’s operational theme. Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were also included for the first time, adding a distinctive regional dimension.
Missiles, artillery and DRDO showcase
Key strategic and tactical assets featured in the parade included the BrahMos cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Dhanush artillery gun. A static display of drones underlined the armed forces’ expanding unmanned inventory.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide weapon capable of engaging both static and moving maritime targets.
Telling the “story of a battle”
The Phased Battle Array unfolded in three stages. The reconnaissance phase featured High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles equipped with battlefield surveillance radars and anti-tank guided missiles, supported by Dhruv and Rudra helicopters in the “Prahar Formation”.
The strike phase brought together armoured columns, infantry combat vehicles, Apache and Prachand helicopters in the “Garud Formation”, Special Forces detachments, robotic dogs and autonomous unmanned ground vehicles.
The final deep-strike phase showcased long-range firepower, air defence systems, drone-enabled logistics and the Integrated Operational Centre, presenting a cohesive picture of how India plans, executes and sustains modern military operations.
Together, the Republic Day 2026 parade offered a clear message: India’s armed forces are increasingly integrated, technology-driven and battle-ready, with a growing emphasis on indigenous capability and real-world operational experience.
Team BharatShakti
