Actual Deployment During Warfare: All about Army’s Historic First Battle Array March During R-Day Parade 2026
This year, the parade will include six marching contingents from the Indian Army and one each from the Navy and the Air Force. Image courtesy: RNA
For the first time in its history, viewers and attendies if the Republic Day Parade 2026 get to see how soldiers are deployed during actual warfare, as the Indian Army contingents will march in a combat-ready battle array. The move marks a major shift from ceremonial display to operational realism, underlining the Army’s readiness to respond to modern battlefield challenges.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, said the Army will present a “combatised depiction of an offensive formation” within parade parameters for the first time. “This array reflects a ready, resilient and responsive Indian Army,” he said.
Major General Dhillon further noted that the formation mirrors real-world combat deployment rather than a symbolic parade layout.
Army battle array display: How will the battle formation be showcased?
Army’s parade formation will be led by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) elements, followed by mechanised forces supported by aviation and aerial assets. These components will represent the battle-shaping punch of an offensive operation, according to Maj Gen Dhillon.
The display will also highlight boots-on-ground battle groups, along with the long-range surveillance and targeting capabilities of newly raised drone and loitering ammunition units, designed to strike deep targets based on actionable intelligence.
Which new Army units and systems will debut this year?
Several units and platforms will make their Republic Day debut in 2026, including Shaktibaan, Divyastra Battery, Bhairav Battalion.
In addition, the parade will showcase advanced combat technologies in operational mode, such as the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Universal Rocket System, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and robotic dogs, reflecting the Army’s push towards technology-driven warfare.
What will the overall military display include?
Apart from the first-ever battle array display by the Indian Army, this year’s parade will feature six Indian Army marching contingents, along with one contingent each from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Two camel-mounted contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF) will also take part.
The aerial spectacle will include 29 aircraft, comprising 16 fighter jets flying in eight formations, highlighting India’s air power and jointness among the services.
What role will women and culture play in Republic Day Parade 2026?
Maj Gen Dhillon said the iconic motorcycle contingent will predominantly feature women warriors this year, reinforcing the growing role of women in the armed forces. The parade will conclude with a 10-minute cultural programme involving around 2,500 performers, celebrating India’s diversity and unity.
Reflecting India’s growing strategic engagement with Europe, a European Union military contingent will participate in the parade. The Chief Guests for Republic Day 2026 are European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU contingent will be led by a Colonel-rank officer and include four flag bearers carrying the EU flags, marking a rare and symbolic international military presence at the parade.
