Republic Day parade set to spotlight BrahMos, Arjun tank and new Army units on Kartavya Path

New Delhi is preparing for the Republic Day parade on Monday, January 26, 2026, where the Indian armed forces are set to showcase a wide range of indigenous and frontline platforms on Kartavya Path. The display is being positioned as a statement of readiness as well as a demonstration of the country’s defence-manufacturing push and the ongoing push for self-reliance in major weapon systems.

Among the headline systems expected to roll and roar past the saluting dais are the BrahMos cruise missile and the Akash missile system. The Army’s armoured presence is expected to include the Main Battle Tank Arjun alongside other mechanised elements, highlighting both older workhorses and newer, upgraded capabilities. The parade is also expected to feature the Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’, reinforcing the emphasis on rocket artillery and precision firepower.

Ground force focus: armour, missiles and mechanised columns

On the ground, the combat segment is expected to include T-90 Bhisma tanks and the indigenous Arjun tank, showcasing the Army’s armoured punch and the continued effort to field domestically produced alternatives. Mechanised columns are also expected to include platforms such as the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, with additional missile assets forming part of the moving tableau of India’s combined-arms doctrine.

The parade is also expected to mark the debut of newly raised units and formations, a move that signals ongoing force restructuring and capability-building. For many spectators, these debuts are likely to be less visible than the headline platforms, but they are intended to convey organisational change and modernization alongside hardware.

Air power: helicopters and battlefield-shaping roles

Aerial elements are expected to complement the ground display. The indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra, are expected to participate as part of a formation flight designed to underline tactical mobility and battlefield support. Attack and combat helicopters are also expected to feature, including the Apache AH-64E and the indigenous light combat helicopter Prachand.

With Republic Day events traditionally blending ceremonial pageantry and capability signalling, this year’s parade is expected to keep the spotlight firmly on platforms that represent current operational priorities—rapid response, precision strikes and mobility—while also reinforcing the message of increasing domestic design and production.