India's 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26 will feature new military highlights and exciting firsts, officials announced on January 23. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) 'Suryastra', capable of striking targets up to 300 km away, will appear for the first time. The newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, introduced last October to bridge infantry and special forces, will also march. For the first time, the mounted 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle gear instead of their usual ceremonial outfits. Major General Navraj Dhillon said about 6,000 defence personnel will parade on Kartavya Path. The event will feature eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands, lasting around 90 minutes. A new “phased battle array formation” will have key Army assets moving as if in actual combat, starting with reconnaissance and including logistics and personnel wearing battle gear. The flypast will include 29 aircraft like Rafale, Su-30, and Apache helicopters in battle formation. The Shaktiban Regiment of the artillery will make its parade debut, armed with drones and loiter munition. The Bhairav battalion previously appeared at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur. Defence assets on display also include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and the Dhanush artillery gun. A unique animal contingent will include Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors (kites), and Army dogs. Captain Harshita Raghav, leading the Remount Veterinary Corps, said, "These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors... true force multipliers of the Indian Army." The parade's highlight is new formations and the blend of tradition with modern battle readiness. Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar will command the parade. His son, Capt Ahaan Kumar, will lead the 61 Cavalry contingent on his horse ‘Ranveer.’ He shared, "Last year, we wore our ceremonial uniform and carried a sword. This time, we are seen in our battle gear, so it feels like a new experience." The event will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa will be chief guests. The parade celebrates 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and showcases India's cultural heritage and military strength.