Republic Day: Flying Rafales, hypersonic missiles & Operation Sindoor tableau, what the 2026 parade will convey from Kartavya Path

India marks its 77th Republic Day on Monday, 26 January 2026, bringing the nation together to celebrate the adoption of the Constitution and showcase its rich cultural and military heritage. President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the grand celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attending as Chief Guests.

Kartavya Path Dressed for National Pride

Stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, Kartavya Path has been elaborately decorated to reflect India’s journey of progress and unity. The celebrations blend the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s rapid developmental achievements, military strength, cultural diversity, and citizen participation.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 AM and will last approximately 90 minutes, starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial, laying a wreath to honour fallen soldiers.

President and Dignitaries Arrive in Traditional Style

President Murmu, along with the European dignitaries, will arrive in a Traditional Buggy, escorted by the President's Bodyguard, India’s senior-most regiment. The National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment, using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns.

Unity in Diversity: Cultural Performances

About 100 cultural artists will herald the parade on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity’, performing a grand display of Indian musical instruments. Flower petals will be showered from four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit in Dhwaaj formation, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

Gallantry Heroes Lead the Parade

The parade will be commanded by Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, with Maj Gen Navraj Dhillon as Second-in-Command. Winners of India’s highest gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra recipients Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashok Chakra recipients Maj Gen CA Pithawalia and Col D Sreeram Kumar – will lead the heroic march.

A special EU contingent will also participate, displaying the flags of the European Union and its naval and military forces.

Battle Array: India’s Military Might

For the first time, the parade features a phased Battle Array Format, including aerial components. Highlights include:

• 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform
• High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle and Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle
• DHRUV Advanced Light Helicopter and RUDRA armed helicopter in Prahar formation
• Tanks and combat vehicles: T-90 BHISHMA, Arjun MBT, BMP-II, Nag Missile System Mk-2
• Special Forces vehicles: Ajayketu ATV, Randhwaj Tactical Transport, Dhawansak Light Strike Vehicles
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles including NIGRAHA, BHAIRAV, BHUVIRAKSHA, KRISHNA
• Advanced weapons: SHAKTIBAAN, DIVYASTRA, BrahMos, SURYASTRA, Akash, ABHRA MRSAM, and Drone Shakti Lorry

The Integrated Operational Centre tableau, depicting Operation Sindoor, demonstrates India’s battlefield innovation and coordinated military strategy.

Him Yodhas and Animal Contingent

The Him Yodhas unit features brave soldiers alongside:
Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites, and Indian breed dogs (Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, Rajapalayam) equipped with GPS, cameras, and bullet-resistant jackets

Glacier ATVs mounted on vehicles
This is followed by regimental contingents from Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, Sikh Light Infantry, and combined military bands.

Indian Navy and Air Force Showcase
The Indian Navy contingent comprises 144 personnel, led by Lt Karan Nagyal, along with young cadets from the Sea Cadets Corps, Mumbai. The Naval Tableau highlights:

Historical vessels: INSV Kaundinya, Gurab-class Maratha ships
Modern platforms: INS Vikrant, INS Himgiri, INS Udayagiri, Kalvari-class submarine

GSAT-7R communication satellite and INS Tarini circumnavigation route
The Indian Air Force features 4 officers and 144 airmen, with a thrilling fly-past by Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar jets in ‘Spearhead’ formation, symbolising the Sindoor Formation.

Veterans and Tri-Services Tableau

The Veterans’ Tableau, titled ‘Sangram se Rashtranirman Tak’, honours the journey from battlefield to nation-building. The Tri-Services Tableau, themed ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, showcases India’s integrated Army, Navy, and Air Force operations, reflecting precision strikes, maritime dominance, and joint ground offensives.

The Indian Coast Guard (all-women contingent), led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma, will highlight India’s commitment to protecting its 11,098-km coastline.

DRDO and Hypersonic Missile Showcase

The DRDO will display the LR-AShM Hypersonic Glide Missile, capable of:

• Striking static and moving targets at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5–10)
• Using indigenous avionics and advanced sensor systems
• Performing precise, low-altitude manoeuvres undetectable by enemy radars
• NSS, NCC and Civil Contingents

Other marching contingents include:

• Central Industrial Security Force
• CRPF
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police
• Delhi Police
• Border Security Force Camel Contingent
• NCC Girls & Boys Cadets and National Service Scheme volunteers
• 30 Tableaux Celebrate Vande Mataram and Aatmanirbharta

A total of 30 tableaux (17 States/UTs and 13 Ministries/Departments) highlight:

• ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’
• ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

These tableaux showcase 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s rapid progress, self-reliance, and rich cultural diversity.

Inputs from ANI