On Monday, January 26, 2026, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a spectacular display of its economic development, cultural variety, and military might, featuring missiles, warplanes, newly raised troops, and deadly weapon systems employed during Operation Sindoor.
This year’s Republic Day parade firmly highlighted India’s military might following the country’s significant counterterrorism activity under Operation Sindoor in 2025. Weapons platforms and defense systems drove down Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, in a spectacular demonstration of the military’s technological supremacy and war readiness.
Chief guests at the 77th Republic Day, EC president Mr. Antonio Costa, and EU Commission President Ms. Ursula
Alongside the military demonstration, two important diplomatic moments were marked by the presence of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests. The Indian military’s Operation Sindoor featured prominently during the parade on the Kartavya Path, the main thoroughfare of the nation’s capital, even though the event’s main focus was 150 years of “Vande Mataram.”
Chief guests from Europe, foreign delegations, and thousands of spectators watched as the Air Force formations sailed above the Raisina Hills. The Operation Sindoor flag was unfurled in midair during the airborne spectacle, making a strong visual statement and emphasizing the parade’s deterrent and readiness theme.
The Army’s transition to modern, multi-domain warfare was reflected in the “Battle Array” configuration, initially displayed on Kartavya Path on the 77th Republic Day, and marking a shift from traditional ceremonial displays to a combat-ready battlefield layout.
Indian Military technology power highlighted—’Operation Sindoor,’ a strong message
During Monday’s 77th Republic Day celebration, a glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) representing Operation Sindoor rolled down Kartavya Path. The presentation demonstrated the close coordination amongst India’s armed forces and explained how the mission was carried out.
A crucial component of India’s overall defense strategy, the “Sudarshan Chakra,” which proved successful during high military tensions with the nuclear-armed neighbor in May, the tri-services tableaux demonstrated on the 77th Republic Day the striking power of the BrahMos missile alongside the powerful S-400 air defense system.
Over 100 terrorists and enemy forces were neutralized as a result of Operation Sindoor. Within 88 hours, the operation brought the enemy to a complete halt and destroyed several important enemy assets.
Following the terrorist assault in Pahalgam in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives, the military action was initiated. In retaliation, soldiers attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, destroying several terrorists and focusing on vital infrastructure.
The IOC exhibition demonstrated that the Army, Navy, and Air Force had excellent coordination and that both governmental and military leadership led the operation. The operation’s success was attributed in large part to the civilian population’s support and smooth inter-service coordination.
The display emphasized the concept of “Virasat, Vividhta aur Vikas.” Under the concept of the “Sudarshan Chakra,” air defense systems like Akash and S-400 safeguarded civilian areas while the BrahMos missile delivered deadly strikes on enemy targets.
77th Republic Day: Unmanned technology was on show—the power of innovation.
Divyastra and Shaktibaan systems were presented in the Combat Support Elements section. These platforms, which are mounted atop High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6×6), demonstrate the Army’s drive for modernization and indigenization.
Shaktibaan and Divyastra were two further examples of India’s advanced unmanned combat capabilities. These technologies, which are centered on targeting and monitoring, are a significant step towards precision and technology-driven combat.
Swarm drones, tethered drone systems, and the locally created hybrid UAV ZOLT, which directs artillery fire, are all part of Shaktibaan and Divyastra.
Loitering weapons like Harop, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range), and Sky Striker support their aiming capabilities.
