India to showcase 'combat-ready' Army at Republic Day as EU chiefs visit

In a move designed to project the South Asian giant's modernizing military capabilities, the traditional sequential march of isolated columns will be replaced by a "Battle Array" formation—known locally as Ranbhoomi Vyuh Rachna. The new format will depict how the Indian Army mobilizes for an actual offensive, featuring troops in full tactical gear rather than ceremonial uniforms.

The announcement comes as New Delhi prepares to host the dual leadership of the European Union—Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa—underscoring a deepening strategic partnership between India and the West.

'The Eyes, The Punch, The Strike'

Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff for the Delhi Area, detailed the logic behind the structural shift.

"This is a combatised depiction," Gen Dhillon said. "The array illustrates an offensive led by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance elements."

Unlike previous years, where tanks and infantry marched separately, the 2026 parade will follow a specific "Order of Battle":

Phase One: Surveillance drones and scout units (the "eyes") will lead the formation.

Phase Two: Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (the "punch") will follow, flanked by soldiers equipped for active combat.

Phase Three: Long-range artillery and the newly unveiled 'Suryastra' rocket system (the "deep strike") will bring up the rear, simulating the destruction of enemy targets up to 300km away.

Diplomatic Signal

The presence of the European Commission President and the European Council President as Chief Guests is seen by analysts as a significant diplomatic gesture. A marching contingent from the European Union will also participate in the parade, led by a colonel-rank officer.

The visit highlights the growing defence and economic ties between New Delhi and Brussels, as India seeks to diversify its military hardware and strengthen its manufacturing base. Robots and 'Sudarshan Chakra'

The parade will also serve as a debut for several indigenous military systems. The army will unveil the Bhairav Battalion, a new light commando unit, and the Shaktiban Regiment, an artillery unit armed specifically with loitering munitions and drone swarms.

In a striking visual of tradition meeting modernity, autonomous "robotic mules" will march alongside Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, animals traditionally used for logistics in India's high-altitude Himalayan borders.

Spectators will also witness a tableau dedicated to "Operation Sindoor," a tri-services operation from May 2025. The display will visualize the "Sudarshan Chakra"—an integrated air-defence shield using S-400 systems to protect fighter jets during a strike.

Leading the parade will be Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, who will ride down the Kartavya Path on his charger, "Ranveer.”