New Delhi: The 77th Republic Day parade on January 26 will be presented in a new ‘phased battle array’ format, offering spectators a dynamic glimpse into how India’s armed forces operate during an actual combat scenario. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday that the revamped format will sequentially showcase the military’s full spectrum of capabilities — from reconnaissance and logistics to missile strikes, artillery fire and airpower integration.
The new format is being introduced in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in early May, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Battlefield narrative to replace stereotyped display
Explaining the rationale behind the change, Singh said the aim was to move away from the traditional, predictable structure of past parades and instead “weave a storyline of how a battle actually unfolds.”
“Given the general excitement around Operation Sindoor, the intent is to show operational elements — starting from reconnaissance and logistics, moving to long-range strikes, and then integrating air power — to make the parade more engaging and informative,” Singh told reporters.
The 90-minute parade along Kartavya Path, which will be witnessed by around 77,000 spectators and millions on television, will depict a progressive combat sequence, highlighting how weapons and manpower are deployed in real operations.
Debut of new army units
The parade will also reflect the ongoing restructuring of the Indian Army. For the first time, the newly raised Bhairav light commando units and Shaktibaan artillery elements, which specialise in drone-based warfare, will make their debut at India’s biggest ceremonial event.
“These elements represent the future of warfare, especially in terms of agility and technology-driven operations,” Singh said.
Flypast integrated into battle sequence
In another major departure from tradition, the Indian Air Force flypast will not be held at the end of the parade. Instead, aerial assets will appear in sync with the ground battle narrative, highlighting their role in the phased combat array.
The flypast will feature a wide range of platforms, including Rafale, Sukhoi-30, MiG-29 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, C-130J special operations aircraft, P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, C-295 transport planes, Mi-17 helicopters, as well as Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).
Operation Sindoor backdrop
India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting terror infrastructure and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation ended with a ceasefire on May 10 and involved fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and intense artillery exchanges.
According to officials, Indian forces destroyed nine terror camps, killing at least 100 terrorists, while the IAF struck 13 Pakistani airbases and military facilities. Pakistan reportedly lost 12–13 aircraft, including US-made F-16s and Chinese-origin JF-17 fighters, during India’s precision strikes.
Weapons on display
The Republic Day parade will showcase some of India’s most advanced military hardware, including:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- Akash and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems
- T-90 and Arjun main battle tanks
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)
- Dhanush artillery guns
- BMP-II infantry combat vehicles
- Drones and a new universal rocket launcher system
In total, 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will take part in the parade.
EU leaders as chief guests
A naval contingent of the European Union will also participate in the parade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests, marking only the second time India has invited leaders of a regional grouping — after ASEAN in 2018 — to grace Republic Day celebrations.
The move underscores the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and the European Union.
Theme and cultural showcase
This year’s Republic Day celebrations are themed around “Vande Mataram”, commemorating 150 years since the first two stanzas of the song were published.
- 30 tableaux will be presented, including six from states and central ministries
- A grand cultural dance performance involving around 2,500 artistes will be staged
Ending VIP culture symbolism
In a symbolic step to discourage VIP culture, seating enclosures have been renamed after rivers, replacing the traditional V1/V2 nomenclature. Similarly, enclosures at the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 have been named after musical instruments.