New Delhi: India’s first Republic Day Parade following Operation Sindoor last year is set to showcase a remarkable display of military prowess, with cutting-edge defence platforms and a spectacular flypast involving 29 aircraft, an official announced on Saturday.

The display is expected to highlight India’s homegrown defence capabilities, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for “Make in India” weapons and drones that demonstrated their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

This year’s Parade will blend a celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram with demonstrations of India’s military strength, including the BrahMos and Akash missiles, alongside the country’s rich cultural diversity through 30 vibrant tableaux, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The flypast will feature formations of Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 aircraft.

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In addition to the aerial display, the Parade will include cutting-edge defence platforms and a grand cultural performance by 2,500 artists, celebrating Vande Mataram and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence said.

The Indian Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of the 61 Cavalry and, for the first time, a Battle Array Formation, along with seven marching contingents.

The mechanised columns will include a wide array of modern military systems such as the HMRV (High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle – BFSR and ATGM), Dhruv Helicopter, T-90 and Arjun Main Battle Tanks, BMP-II, NAMIS-II Nag Missile System, IOC (Integrated Operational Centre), UGVs, ATV (All Terrain Vehicles), LSV (Light Strike Vehicles) with robotic mules, Shaktiban, ATAGS and Dhanush artillery, URLS, BrahMos, Akash, MRSAM, Drone Shakti, and Glacier ATV.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests at this year’s Parade.

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Earlier, PM Modi emphasised the country’s growing defence capabilities, stating, “India is building the capability to export equipment for all three armed services. We aspire to become a top defence exporter in the world, which has increased 30 times in the last 11 years.”

He added, “Our missiles, such as BrahMos and Akash, proved their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor. The name BrahMos itself is so renowned that merely hearing it makes many pause, wondering if it is coming their way.”

The Republic Day Parade will feature seven Army marching contingents, including an animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs with handlers, along with SCOUTS, RAJPUT, ASSAM, JAK LI, ARTY, and BHAIRAV contingents performing in Uncha Kadam style. The Ladakh Scouts will march immediately after the saluting dais.

A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 bands are expected to participate in the 2026 Parade.

Around 10,000 citizens from diverse backgrounds have been invited to witness the Parade at Kartavya Path as special guests. “Individuals with exemplary contributions in income and employment generation, technology, innovation, start-ups, self-help groups, and best performers under key government initiatives have been identified and invited to attend,” the Ministry of Defence said.

— IANS