NEW DELHI: In the first Republic Day parade since Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is all set to showcase its ongoing transformation and operational readiness, debuting newly inducted units and modern battlefield capabilities. These include rifle-mounted robotic mules, a mobile drone refurbishment lorry, combat-ready 61st Cavalry and mounted special forces, to name a few. The scale model of the Russian-origin strategic air defence missile system S-400 will also be part of the parade.
The 61st Cavalry, which usually leads the procession in a ceremonial capacity, will make an appearance in full combat gear this year. Speaking to TNIE, Capt Ahaan Kumar, who will lead the contingent, said the contingent will demonstrate the unit’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. "Our contingent is structured to reflect an actual battle scenario, particularly intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) functions that are critical to contemporary warfare."
In another first, Para (Special Forces) will be showcased in operational formations, including Rugged Terrain Transport Systems (RTTS) equipped with Trinetra drones, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) armed with Nagastra and Johnette loitering munitions and Light Specialist Vehicles fitted with ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles).
The sight of rifle-mounted robotic mules on Kartavya Path will mark another first. Explaining their operational role, Lt Col Manoj Panwar said the Army initially inducted these mules to overcome logistical challenges in terrain where conventional vehicles cannot operate.
“Robotic mules were first brought in to support logistics in difficult terrain,” Lt Col Panwar said. “After proving their effectiveness, the Army has now operationally validated a weaponised version, which can be deployed in both conventional and counter-insurgency operations, reducing risk to soldiers in high-threat or low-intelligence environments.”
The parade will also see the debut of the mobile drone repair and refurbishment lorry, first showcased earlier this month during Army Day celebrations in Jaipur. Often referred to as “Turner Lorries”, these containerised, truck-mounted facilities enable rapid, on-site maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
“The Indian Army is actively implementing mobile drone repair and refurbishment lorries to boost frontline maintenance of UAVs and drones,” said Capt D Mukherjee of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), who will participate in the parade.
“Learning from contemporary wars particularly the Russia-Ukraine War and post Operation Sindoor, we realised that these systems reduce dependence on central workshops and significantly cut turnaround time.” He added that the Army has already inducted two such lorries and is working to scale up their deployment.
The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and a mixed Ladakh Scouts contingent, both in combat uniform, will also make their Republic Day debut. In addition, the parade will feature the newly raised UAV-centric Shaktibaan regiments, as well as Amogh (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) and Suryastra (Universal Rocket Launcher) which boasts the capability to fire rockets up to 300km.
Separately, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will present a tri-service tableau titled “Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness”, reflecting India’s evolving military doctrine and a decisive shift towards precision warfare, jointness and indigenous capability. The tableau will feature the terror camp in Muridke in Pakistan, which was destroyed in the precision strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of 7th May.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal said the display will, for the first time, also include the S-400 air defence system, which he said had destroyed a Pakistan Air Force SAAB Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) at the longest range kill recorded globally. The tableau will further depict a HAROP loitering munition neutralising enemy air defence radar, a Rafale fighter jet armed with SCALP missiles executing strikes on terror infrastructure and a Su-30 MKI launching the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to destroy hardened aircraft shelter.