India’s 77th Republic Day Parade Showcases Military Power, New Formations, And ‘Vande Mataram’ Theme

77th Republic Day Parade: India marked its 77th Republic Day with a parade on Kartavya Path showcasing military might, cultural diversity and growing defence prowess. This year the event adds combat phased battle array formation, presenting a dynamic sequential presentation of war forces on the battlefield. In addition to these colourful tableaux, prominence is given to new weapon systems, newly raised military units, and the organisation of adventure involving air power.

Phased Battle Array Formation Explained

The parade, for the first time, is organised by phased battle array and in operational formations to showcase forces:

- Infantry and mechanised columns

- Artillery and missile systems

- Aerial assets

The layout is intended to demonstrate the coordination between various branches of the military during actual combat scenarios.

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Key Weapon Systems on Display

Major platforms and systems featured include:

- BrahMos and Akash missile systems

- Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)

- Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)

- Dhanush artillery gun

- Divyastra Battery

- Static drone display

- Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) Suryastra with a strike range of up to 300 km

The Main Battle Tank Arjun and T-90 Bhisma tanks are the main attraction of the mechanised columns, closely followed by Apache AH-64E and Prachand helicopters. LR-AShM will feature at the DRDO pavilion.

Air Power in Sindoor Formation

Seven fighter jets will fly in the new Sindoor formation:

- 2 Rafales

- 2 MiG-29s

- 2 Sukhoi-30s

- 1 Jaguar

The flypast of 29 aircraft includes 16 fighters, four transporters and nine helicopters, including the C-130J, C-17 Globemaster and Su-30 MKI, as well as MiG-29s.

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Army Restructuring and Firsts

Newly raised Bhairav light commando units and the Shaktiban Regiment will make their debut. For the first time, the members of 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle attire. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar is leading the parade.

Chief Guests and Theme

Chief guests are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Antonio Costa of the European Council. The theme is 150 years of “Vande Mataram”.