There are many firsts in this year’s Republic Day parade. Rocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the R-day parade for the first time.
As a maiden, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle gear, and key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation". Besides this, the newly raised Shaktiban Regiment will make its debut in the R-Day parade. The regiment will be equipped with a drone, a counter-drone system, and a loiter munition.
Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, informed that about 6,000 defence personnel will be part of the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26.
A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear is one of the other firsts the parade would witness. Akash weapon system and MRSAM system are being fielded in this year's parade. Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade. An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors (kites) and Army dogs will also take part in this year's parade.
"These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors, making them operationally ready, and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are true force multipliers of the Indian Army," said Captain Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent.
The defence assets that will be showcased during the parade will include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and a static display of some drones.
Ninety minutes, eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade.
Officials said that in a new format introduced this year, key Army assets, including indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation". This means they will move down the ceremonial boulevard in a formation as they would in any battle scenario, starting with reconnaissance, followed by other military units such as logistics and personnel accompanying these platforms, who will be seen wearing battle gear.
The aerial component will also be shown in a "battle array formation".
The dominant theme of this year's parade is 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will be the chief guests at the parade. An officer of the colonel rank will lead a small EU contingent mounted on a vehicle and following him will be four flag-bearers, riding two different vehicles, Major General Dhillon said.
The Republic Day Parade will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to bravehearts at the National War Memorial.
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