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78th Indian Army Day 2026: Jaipur Witnesses a Historic Parade of Power, Pride & People’s Trust
Summary: From Bhairav Battalions to BrahMos missiles, the Indian Army’s 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur delivered a powerful message of future-ready defence and national unity.
Jaipur,15 January 2026,PIB Delhi: The Indian Army marked its 78th Army Day with an unforgettable and historic parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan, transforming the Pink City into a living symbol of national pride, military strength and people’s trust.
For the first time ever, the Army Day Parade was conducted outside an Army cantonment and within a bustling city centre, reaffirming the Army’s philosophy of being “of the people, for the people.” The event was hosted by the South Western Command, marking its debut as parade host.
The celebrations began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Prerna Sthal, led by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). Senior officers from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy also paid homage, reflecting the growing jointness of India’s armed forces.
As the Reviewing Officer, General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute and later presented Sena Medals (Posthumous) to the Next of Kin of five gallant soldiers, honouring their supreme sacrifice.
This was the fourth Army Day Parade outside Delhi, following Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune. The Jaipur parade route - from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital on Mahal Road - placed the Army at the heart of civilian life, strengthening civil-military connection.
More than one lakh citizens lined the roads, cheering soldiers with unmatched enthusiasm, underlining the Army’s unshakable bond with the people.
One of the biggest highlights was the first-ever participation of Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI.
These elite units represent a doctrinal shift towards agile, lean and lethal forces, designed for rapid, high-impact border operations. Their presence sent a clear message:
The parade showcased the Indian Army’s modern combat punch, offering civilians a rare, close-up view of battlefield systems, including:
Heavy Armour & Firepower
Air Defence & Protection
Robotics, Drones & AI Warfare
Several systems deployed in Op Sindoor, including BRAHMOS and ULH M777, were also part of the parade - adding strong operational relevance.
A dramatic fly-past by LCH, ALH, WSI and APACHE helicopters added scale and grandeur to the celebrations, while the Motorcycle Display Team thrilled the audience with precision stunts.
The Army Canine Display showcased trained dogs performing operational drills, highlighting their critical role in counter-terrorism, search and rescue missions.
Seven military bands, including a Nepal Army Band, performed during the parade - symbolising the deep defence ties and shared traditions between India and Nepal.
Cultural performances such as Kalbelia and Gair folk dances, along with the Chenda performance by the MADRAS Regiment, reflected India’s diversity and the Army’s cultural sensitivity.
These tableaus reinforced the Army’s role not just in defence, but also in nation-building and innovation.
Addressing the nation, General Upendra Dwivedi emphasised:
Later in the evening, Shaurya Sandhya will be graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan CM Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Highlights include:
Indian Army Day 2026 Jaipur,Bhairav Battalion Indian Army,Indian Army Modern Warfare
Jaipur,15 January 2026,PIB Delhi: The Indian Army marked its 78th Army Day with an unforgettable and historic parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan, transforming the Pink City into a living symbol of national pride, military strength and people’s trust.
For the first time ever, the Army Day Parade was conducted outside an Army cantonment and within a bustling city centre, reaffirming the Army’s philosophy of being “of the people, for the people.” The event was hosted by the South Western Command, marking its debut as parade host.
Tribute to the Brave
The celebrations began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Prerna Sthal, led by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). Senior officers from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy also paid homage, reflecting the growing jointness of India’s armed forces.
As the Reviewing Officer, General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute and later presented Sena Medals (Posthumous) to the Next of Kin of five gallant soldiers, honouring their supreme sacrifice.
Army Day Beyond Delhi: A Strategic Shift
This was the fourth Army Day Parade outside Delhi, following Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune. The Jaipur parade route - from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital on Mahal Road - placed the Army at the heart of civilian life, strengthening civil-military connection.
More than one lakh citizens lined the roads, cheering soldiers with unmatched enthusiasm, underlining the Army’s unshakable bond with the people.
Bhairav Battalions: A New Face of Warfare
One of the biggest highlights was the first-ever participation of Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI.
These elite units represent a doctrinal shift towards agile, lean and lethal forces, designed for rapid, high-impact border operations. Their presence sent a clear message:
- India is prepared to fight smarter, strike faster and dominate future battlefields.
Power on Wheels: Modern Weapons & Battle Tech
The parade showcased the Indian Army’s modern combat punch, offering civilians a rare, close-up view of battlefield systems, including:
Heavy Armour & Firepower
- T-90 & Arjun Main Battle Tanks
- BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicles
- K-9 Vajra, ATAGS, Dhanush, SMERCH, PINAKA
- DIVYASTRA, ULRS, GRAD BM
Air Defence & Protection
- AKASH Missile System
- Upgraded SCHILKA
- SHAKTIBAAN
- L-70 Guns
- Medium-Range SAMs
Robotics, Drones & AI Warfare
- Robotic Mules & All-Terrain Vehicles
- Vehicle-Based Infantry Mortar Systems
- MILAN Missile Launchers
- Switch UAV, Sanjay, Pralay, Baaz Armed Drones
- Prabal C-UAS (Anti-Drone Systems)
- Drone jammers, spoofers & aerial target systems
Several systems deployed in Op Sindoor, including BRAHMOS and ULH M777, were also part of the parade - adding strong operational relevance.
Aerial & Visual Spectacle
A dramatic fly-past by LCH, ALH, WSI and APACHE helicopters added scale and grandeur to the celebrations, while the Motorcycle Display Team thrilled the audience with precision stunts.
The Army Canine Display showcased trained dogs performing operational drills, highlighting their critical role in counter-terrorism, search and rescue missions.
Culture, Camaraderie & Global Friendship
Seven military bands, including a Nepal Army Band, performed during the parade - symbolising the deep defence ties and shared traditions between India and Nepal.
Cultural performances such as Kalbelia and Gair folk dances, along with the Chenda performance by the MADRAS Regiment, reflected India’s diversity and the Army’s cultural sensitivity.
Thematic Tableaus: Army & Nation Building
- Op Sindoor & Decade of Transformation
- Next-Generation Indigenous Equipment
- Rajasthan’s Heritage Tableau by Lalit Kala Academy
These tableaus reinforced the Army’s role not just in defence, but also in nation-building and innovation.
COAS Message: Soldier First, Technology Next
Addressing the nation, General Upendra Dwivedi emphasised:
- Atmanirbharta is a strategic necessity
- Technology should empower, not replace, the soldier
- Future focus on networking, data-centric warfare & innovation
- Strengthening dual-use infrastructure
Shaurya Sandhya: Grand Evening Final
Later in the evening, Shaurya Sandhya will be graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan CM Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Highlights include:
- 1,000-Drone Light Show
- Enactment of Op Sindoor
- Inauguration of Naman Centres
- Unveiling of Army Day First Day Cover
- Kalaripayattu & Mallakhamb performances
Why This Army Day Matters
- First city-centre parade outside cantonment
- Debut of Bhairav Battalions
- Massive indigenous tech display
- Record civilian participation
- Clear roadmap for future warfare
Indian Army Day 2026 Jaipur,Bhairav Battalion Indian Army,Indian Army Modern Warfare
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