From the newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment to the rocket launcher system 'Suryastra', and key military assets, including indigenous platforms, the 77th Republic Day Parade saw many firsts.
Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were also part of the ceremonial event for the first time.
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Also, marking a first, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry were seen in battle gear during the parade. The elite, horse-mounted regiment of the Indian Army, 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence as its members wear ceremonial uniform and a striking headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade.
Capt Ahaan Kumar, 26, a third-generation officer, who led the iconic contingent, an honour he had in the 2025 parade as well, returned to Kartvaya Path, along with his charger 'Ranveer', a Hanoverian breed, as the contingent commander this year as well.
"For me, leading this historic contingent in a ceremonial uniform gives much greater joy than I had doing it in a combat gear, but yes, it felt very different in this year's parade," news agency PTI quoted him as saying after the parade.
A mixed scouts contingent, seen in their heavy thermal gear in an operational role, was also part of the parade for the first time. The mixed scouts contingent had members drawn from Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Arunachal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, and Sikkim Scouts.
Shaktiban Regiment, which is the newly raised artillery unit in the Indian Army, designed to enhance firepower through integration of advanced drone technologies, was part of the parade for the first time.
A Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry regiment, a specialised assault infantry unit, bridging the capabilities of conventional infantry and special forces, was also part of the parade.
Other key defence assets showcased during the parade included BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, and a static display of some drones.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging static and moving targets, designed to carry various payloads.
Captain Harshita Raghav, who led the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent also included raptors (kites) and a few Army dogs.
"These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors, making them operationally ready, and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are true force multipliers of the Indian Army," she told news agency PTI.