Bhairav Battalion and Suryastra Debut at Republic Day Parade

The 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path marked a decisive shift in the Indian Army’s operational messaging, with the first public appearance of new combat formations and indigenous weapon systems. The parade reflected India’s evolving military doctrine, emphasising agility, indigenous firepower, and battlefield realism over ceremonial tradition.

Bhairav Light Commando Battalion Steps Into Public View

The Bhairav light commando battalion, raised in October 2025, made its maiden public appearance during the parade. The 4 Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment has been created to bridge the operational gap between conventional infantry units and special forces. Designed for swift, high-intensity missions, the battalion enhances India’s ability to conduct agile combat operations in varied and challenging terrain, reflecting a future-ready force structure.

Suryastra Rocket System Signals Artillery Modernisation

The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’ was showcased for the first time, underlining a major leap in indigenous rocket artillery capability. Developed as India’s first universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher, Suryastra is engineered to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of 150 kilometres and 300 kilometres. Unlike traditional platforms, it can integrate multiple rocket and missile variants on a single launcher, offering flexibility and adaptability across diverse combat scenarios.

Operational Realism Takes Centre Stage

A mixed scouts contingent, clad in heavy thermal combat gear, also debuted at the parade. Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts, the contingent symbolised elite infantry units specialising in high-altitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance. The mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry appeared in full battle gear for the first time, departing from its traditional ceremonial attire. Army assets and indigenous platforms advanced in a phased battle array formation, replicating real battlefield movement from reconnaissance to logistics and combat elements.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bhairav Battalion bridges conventional infantry and special forces roles.
• Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher.
• Phased battle array formations replicate real operational movement.
• 61 Cavalry appeared in combat gear, breaking ceremonial tradition.

Republic Day Ceremony and Global Presence

The celebrations opened with a cultural performance themed “Vishwaguru Bharat – Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. Droupadi Murmu presided over the event, unfurling the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns. The ceremony was witnessed by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, lending international prominence to India’s Republic Day display of military transformation.