Republic Day 2026: First Parade Since Operation Sindoor To Feature Phased Battle Array Format; Know What It Means

The first parade since Operation Sindoor (2025), this Republic Day 2026, the Indian Army will showcase its unique ‘Phased Battle Array’ format.

For the unversed, the meaning is embedded in the title itself. Imagine you have a script for a movie. You first go scout the location. Then you get your gears to the spot. The next step is lights, camera and action! The key word in the process here is phased. It is basically breaking down your operations into strategic ladders ensuring a successful mission. Each ladder has an objective and connects with the consequent steps. Here’s what it means in the military context and how it will be displayed at the Republic Day 2026 Parade.

Phase I | Recce

The first phase of the array begins with High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles (HMRV) and other advanced vehicles with surveillance radars embedded. They will be assisted from the bird’s eye view by indigenous Dhruv helicopters. This formation showcases the Indian army’s recce skills and how they spot the adversarial positions before the troop is moved forward.

Phase II | Strike

In this phase, the parade will feature heavy armored vehicles that are used to break the adversary’s defense, including Arjun Main Battle Tanks (AMBT) and T-90 Bhisma Tanks, among other strategic weaponries. The core fighting force will be represented by the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles that will assist the front line of offense. .

Phase III | Well, this is supposed to be the bada bing bada boom boom phase

The third phase is supported by pyro support and defense, which during the Republic Day Parade 2026 will be represented by the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Akash & MRSAM missile system, and others.

The Republic Day Celebrations 2026 at Kartavya Path, will be unique blend of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might and cultural diversity.

The Indian Army will showcase a phased battle array format for the first time, alongside a mounted column… pic.twitter.com/5BNeUuG3TH
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 23, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi | On 2026 Republic Day parade, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh says, “This year’s parade will also feature a new format where the Indian Army will showcase its capabilities in a phased array format. Our assets will be displayed in a sequence within a battle… pic.twitter.com/MlkkMGNPqt
— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2026

Artillery and missile power anchors the Battle Array with ATAGS, Dhanush, Pinaka, BrahMos, Akash and MR SAMs.

Drone Shakti and an integrated operational centre underline network centric warfare. pic.twitter.com/piajdtGVDi
— Akash Sharma (@kaidensharmaa) January 23, 2026

Cover: Illustrative / Indian Army via Pexels

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