In Pics: A Dazzling Defence Showcase At R-Day Parade 2026 – Op Sindoor Tableau, Flypast Paint Skies with Pride
Drone Shakti and Integrated Operation Centre, commemorating Operation Sindoor victory, were displayed during R-Day parade 2026. Image courtesy: RNA
Commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, the 77th Republic Day celebrations were all about culture, diversity and the valour of our defence personnel displayed during Operation Sindoor launched last year in May. As many as 30 tableaux rolled down the Kartavya Path under the broad themes of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
With European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as Chief Guests, Republic Day 2026 parade shown light on India’s defence modernisation, indigenous technology, and cultural pride. In addition, the parade also showcased newly raised army units, including the Bhairav light commando battalion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, along with the European chief guests were present at the grand Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.
Republic Day Parade 2026: How the event unfolded
The 77th Republic Day celebrations started with PMModi honouring fallen heroes at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath. The European dignitaries were then welcomed with a traditional ceremonial reception.
During the investiture ceremony, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) was honoured with Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Skies above the Kartavya Path were showered by flower petals as four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit flying in the Dhwaj Formation, spewed them out. The formation, which trooped the National Flag, was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, adding grandeur to the Republic Day celebrations.
Indian Army’s battle array formation
During the Republic Day Parade 2026, the army for the first time displayed the battle array formation, using combat vehicles used during Operation Sindoor. The Recce element was led by the 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform, followed by the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle, India’s first indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle.
Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra, flying in Prahar formation, to demonstrate battlefield shaping.
Following them were the Combat Elements, featuring the T-90 Bhishma and Arjun Main Battle Tanks, supported from the air by Apache AH-64E and Prachand Light Combat Helicopters. On the other hand, mechanised columns included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles and the Nag Missile System Tracked Mk-2.
Moreover, the army also displayed advanced warfare capabilities with Robotic Dogs, Unmanned Ground Vehicles and four autonomous systems — NIGRAHA, BHAIRAV, BHUVIRAKSHA and KRISHNA. The Combat Support Element showcased India’s next-generation unmanned warfare systems including SHAKTIBAAN and DIVYASTRA.
A celebration of ‘JAI’ – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation
Indian Armed Forces – Navy, Air Force and Army – came together to showcase the spirit of JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, during the Republic Day 2026 parade. Moreover, the presence of historic vessels like the Ghurab, alongside modern indigenous warships, reflected India’s journey from tradition to technological strength.
Operation Sindoor tableau: Victory through jointness
Republic Day 2026 Parade was a big celebration of India’s successful Operation Sindoor too, as the armed forces displayed a powerful tri-services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness”, which symbolised strength, unity, and the guarding of national sovereignty through transformed defence capabilities.
Notably, this is the first Republic Day celebration after Operation Sindoor, the four-day military conflict during which Indian forces struck terror bases in Pakistan.
Additionally, the Operation Sindoor tableau also carried a Rafale aircraft, armed with SCALP missiles, executing a surgical strike on terror infrastructure. It also had the SU-30 MKI, launching the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, onboard. The S-400 air defence system stood at the latter part of the tableau.
IAF flypast in Operation Sindoor formation
After the tableau, the Indian Air Force also had a flypast, showcasing Operation Sindoor formation, comprising 2 Rafale, 2 MiG-29, 02 Su-30 and 01 Jaguar in ‘Spearhead’ formation. This flypast was dedicated to the IAF’s role in the operation.
The IAF band consisted of 72 musicians, including 57 Agniveer men and nine Women Agniveer (being introduced for the first time) and three drum majors. The IAF marching contingent comprised four officers (One Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 Airmen.
Meanwhile, the 77th Republic Day parade also included a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns. In addition this, the first indigenous multi-calibre rocket launcher system Suryastra was also displayed.
