For the first time, the Army Day parade on January 15 will have a full road-based march-past like Republic Day, instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting
The Indian Army will celebrate its 78th Army Day on January 15 in Jaipur, marking the first time the ceremonial parade is being held in the Rajasthan capital. The event comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and is expected to be a strong display of the Army’s combat power, valour, and operational success. From M777 guns to Prachand and Apache helicopters to those who led the entire Op Sindoor, the event will have it all.
For the first time, the Army Day parade will be organised on the lines of the Republic Day parade, with a full road-based march-past instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting. The parade will be held along a 1.5-kilometre stretch on Sitapura Road, where a special three-layer seating arrangement is being created for nearly 25,000 spectators. Overall, around 1.5 lakh people are expected to witness the event.
Army Day 2026 will feature nine marching contingents, including the Bhairav Battalion, which will participate in the parade for the first time. Formed after Operation Sindoor, the battalion is expected to be accompanied by displays of Shaktibaan and Divyastra systems. Other contingents taking part include the Assam Regiment, Artillery, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, Scouts, and NCC cadets. Marching contingents will be accompanied by Army band units playing indigenous tunes, with the Nepal Army band also participating. Nepal’s band had made its debut during Army Day celebrations in 2025.
Op Sindoor fervour
The entire event will be heavily themed around Operation Sindoor. Sources say soldiers decorated for gallantry during Operation Sindoor, including Vir Chakra awardees, will be present for the first time. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees will also be part of the parade. A dedicated tableau showcasing the success of Operation Sindoor is also expected.
A wide range of weapons and platforms used during the operation will be displayed. These include the M777 ultra-light howitzer, T-90 Bhishma tanks, Arjun main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, K9 Vajra self-propelled guns, Dhanush artillery systems, Smerch long-range multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Grad rocket systems. Air defence systems that played a key role in thwarting Pakistani attacks during Op Sindoor, including MRSAM, Akash missile systems, and the Schilka air defence gun system, will also be showcased.
For the first time, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and Apache attack helicopters will take part in the aerial display, accompanied by Rudra and Chetak helicopters. The parade will also feature counter-UAS systems, swarm drones, robotic mules, and separate contingents of Indian-breed and foreign-breed dogs trained by the Army’s K9 units.
