77th Republic Day 2026 LIVE: What is ‘Phased Battle Array’ formation to be introduced in R-Day parade?

India is all set to display its development journey, cultural diversity and military might, including newly-raised units and mock-ups of major weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor, at the 77th Republic Day celebrations on the Kartavya Path today. The overarching theme of this year's event is 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the 77th Republic Day. In a post on X, he said, "Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat."

Among world leaders, China's President Xi Jinping wished President Droupadi Murmu on India's Republic Day, and added that China and India were "good neighbours, friends and partners". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, too, wished India, as he appreciated Quad cooperation between the countries on defence and other fronts.

R-Day 2026: The ‘Phased Battle Array’ formation

In a major departure from the traditional "block-by-block" marching of separate units on Republic Day, this year the "Phased Battle Array" formation will be introduced for the first time.

Instead of tanks, infantry, and missiles moving as isolated groups, the Republic Day 2026 parade will tell the "Story of a Battle", showing how a real military operation unfolds from start to finish. This tactical display is inspired by Operation Sindoor, which took place in May last year.

The entire parade will be divided into three phases, each representing a stage of a military offensive.

Phase 1: Reconnaissance

The parade opens with the "eyes and ears" of the Army, that is, units responsible for gathering intelligence and identifying enemy positions, before a strike.

For the first time, 61 Cavalry will appear in active combat uniforms instead of its traditional ceremonial attire. The High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles (HMRV) will be on display, equipped with advanced gear like Battlefield Surveillance Radars (BFSR) and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).

Flying directly above these ground units, Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and Rudra (its armed version) will perform the "Prahar Formation". This demonstrates "battlefield shaping", that is, clearing the way for the main force.

Phase 2: The Strike

With the targets identified, the second phase begins: the main assault. It features the "punch" of the Army—the heavy-hitting units designed to break through enemy defences. The might of the Army's armoured corps will be on full display, featuring the T-90 Bhishma tanks and the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBT). The BMP-II vehicles and the Nag Missile System (NAMIS-II) will follow closely.

In sync with the ground troops, Apache AH-64E and Prachand Light Combat Helicopters will fly overhead in the "Garud Formation". A detachment of Special Forces will follow, comprising Ajayketu All-Terrain Vehicle, Randhwaj Rugged Terrain Tactical Transport System and Dhawansak Light Strike Vehicles. Following them would be Robotic Dogs, Unmanned Ground Vehicles and four Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles—Nigraha, Bhairav, Bhuviraksha and Krishna—mounted on vehicles.

Phase 3: The Deep Strike

The final phase focuses on assets that strike targets deep behind enemy lines and the logistics to sustain the fight.

The combat support would comprise Shaktibaan and Divyastra, mounted on specialised HMV 6x6, showcasing advanced surveillance through drones and indigenous tactical hybrid UAV ZOLT for direction of artillery fire. They will be aided by aerial loitering munitions—HAROP, Mini HARPY, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range), and SKY STRIKER.

The Akash Weapon System and ABHRA Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) System will follow, along with the Drone Shakti Lorry, developed by Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers.

A glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre, depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor in brief, too, will be featured.