Exclusive: In first R-Day after Operation Sindoor, on display: How battle formations move

Army’s Animal contingent take part in the rehearsal of Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Saturday. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)

This will likely be followed by display of tanks, BMPs, artillery guns, air defence platforms and missiles, logistics vehicles to support these columns, robotic dogs, Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies.

Finally, the infantry columns and the Bhairav light commando battalion, which will make its debut in the parade this year, will make an appearance.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column of 61 Cavalry and battle array formation. It said there will be a display of seven marching contingents, HMRV (High Mobility Recce Vehicle – BFSR & ATGM) and ALH Dhruv Helicopter, T-90, Main Battle Tank Arjun, BMP-II and NAMIS-II Nag Missile System, IOC (Integrated Operational Centre), UGVs, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), LSV (Light Strike Vehicle) with Trailer (Robotic Mules and UGV), Shaktiban, ATAGS and Dhanush, URLS and Brahmos, Akash and medium range surface-to-air missile Barak 8, Drone Shakti and Glacier ATV.

High mobility reconnaissance vehicles will be displayed, and these will include Special Forces, reconnaissance troops of armoured and mechanised regiments and infantry as well. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)

It said an animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs with handlers contingent, Scouts contingent, Rajput contingent, Assam contingent, JAK LI contingent, Artillery contingent, Bhairav contingent in ‘Uncha Kadam taal’, and Ladakh Scouts will march past the saluting dais.

High mobility reconnaissance vehicles will be displayed, and these will include Special Forces, reconnaissance troops of armoured and mechanised regiments and infantry as well. These vehicles are equipped with surveillance drones and battlefield surveillance radars. They will have ATGMs to give them anti-tank support.

The battlefield scenario will also include display of aerial assets such as helicopters and aircraft. These will be followed by the armoured columns depicting T-90, MBT Arjun, mechanised columns of BMP II and NAMIS II Nag missile system.

An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs with handlers contingent will march past the saluting dais.

The integrated operational centre, where the entire battle is closely monitored using different surveillance equipment, will likely be displayed next. These will be followed by unmanned ground vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and light strike vehicles. Robotic mules, logistics vehicles to support these columns, robotic dogs, Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies too will be there.

Finally, the infantry columns and the Bhairav light commando battalion, which will make its debut in the parade this year, will be showcased.

The overall display will take around 15 minutes. A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade. The flypast will showcase Rafale, Su-30, P8I, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17 in different formations.

Another highlight of the parade will be the veterans’ tableau of the IAF, providing a glimpse of their contribution to the nation.