Republic Day Parade of iconic debutants! What India is revealing before the world on January 26 at Kartavya Path

It was earlier confirmed that a formation flight named after 'Operation Sindoor', comprising Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter jets, will be part of the Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast. The flypast will also carry the flag to commemorate India's high-precision tri-services military campaign.

READ HERE | Indian Air Force to showcase air dominance with 'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day spectacle

Now, new reports indicate that the parade on 26 January will also witness the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment as well as the Bhairav light commando battalion. The dominant theme of this year's parade is 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. An officer of the rank of Colonel will lead a small EU contingent mounted on a vehicle, and following him will be four flag-bearers riding two different vehicles.

The Republic Day Parade will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to bravehearts at the National War Memorial here. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, told reporters here that about 6,000 defence personnel will be part of the parade.

Here are some exciting debuts set to be the highlights of the parade:

• Suryastra Rocket Launcher System: The rocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the Republic Day Parade for the first time, officials said on Friday.
  
  
• 61 Cavalry in Battle Gear: For the first time, the contingent members of the Mounted 61 Cavalry will don battle gear during the parade. Captain Ahaan Kumar, 26, a third-generation officer, will once again lead the contingent of the iconic 61 Cavalry. Hanoverian breed 'Ranveer' will be his charger. "Last year, we wore our ceremonial uniform and carried a sword. This time, we are seen in our battle gear, so it feels like a new experience in this parade too," Captain Ahaan reportedly told PTI.
  
  
• Hypersonic firepower: Come 26 January, the world will get to see the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. The LR-AShM, which can get past radars without being detected, can reportedly strike targets as far as 1,500 kilometres away.
  
  
• Shaktiban Regiment: The parade will witness the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery. Shaktiban regiments are a recent addition established to enhance the Indian Army's firepower and counter-drone capabilities. Each regiment will have a composite battery equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions.
  
  
• Bhairav Light Commando Battalion: The Bhairav light commando battalion, which made its Army Day Parade debut on 15 January in Jaipur, will now feature in the Republic Day Parade. The battalion was raised around October last year to "bridge the gap" between the infantry and special forces.
  
  
• Akash Weapon System: The Akash and MRSAM systems are being fielded in this year's parade. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade, Major General Dhillon said.
  
  
•  A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear will also be part of the parade for the first time, PTI confirmed, citing Defence Ministry sources.

• Also joining the parade at the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation" will be India's latest key Army assets.