77th Republic Day Parade held at Kartavya Path with theme 150 years of Vande Mataram

Key facts

• The 77th Republic Day Parade was held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi with the dominant theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
• The Bhairav light commando battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry regiment, a specialised assault infantry unit designed for rapid response, made its debut in the national parade.
• The Shaktiban Regiment, a newly raised artillery unit equipped with drones, counter-drones, and loiter munition, was showcased for the first time.
• The Universal Rocket Launcher System (Suryastra) with deep-strike capabilities and the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were displayed.
• For the first time, the mounted 61 Cavalry contingent appeared in combat gear, departing from their traditional ceremonial uniform.
• Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were included in the ceremonial event for the first time.
• A mixed scouts contingent comprising members from Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Arunachal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, and Sikkim Scouts participated in heavy thermal gear.
• The Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent featured raptors (kites) and Army dogs as part of the marching display.
• Key military assets showcased included the BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and Dhanush artillery gun.
• The parade featured 18 marching contingents and 13 bands, lasting approximately 90 minutes.