JAIPUR, January 15, 2026: In a landmark event reflecting the Indian Army’s strategic shift toward decentralization and public engagement, the 78th Army Day Parade was celebrated with unprecedented grandeur in the heart of the “Pink City,” Jaipur.
Marking the first time the parade was held outside an Army cantonment, over one lakh spectators lined Mahal Road to witness the spectacle hosted by the South Western Command.
The day commenced with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Prerna Sthal, where Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
In a poignant moment, General Dwivedi presented the Sena Medal (Posthumous) to the families of five bravehearts, underscoring the nation’s eternal gratitude for their supreme sacrifice.The parade served as a powerful exhibition of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation,” highlighting a shift toward a “lean and mean” force.
A major highlight was the debut of the Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI, units specifically designed for rapid, high-impact operations. The display of cutting-edge, indigenous technology was equally formidable, featuring T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, K-9 Vajra howitzers, and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system.
The integration of next-generation warfare was evident through the inclusion of Robotic Mules, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and an array of unmanned aerial platforms like the Baaz armed drones and Prabal C-UAS jamming systems.
This technological edge was complemented by a breathtaking fly-past of LCH, ALH, and Apache helicopters, signaling India’s resolve toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.The event also celebrated deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural ties, featuring the Nepal Army Band alongside seven Indian military bands, symbolizing the enduring camaraderie between the two nations.
The festive atmosphere was further enriched by cultural performances, including Rajasthan’s Kalbelia and Gair dances and the Chenda display by the MADRAS Regiment.
Addressing the gathering, General Dwivedi emphasized that the Army is evolving into a data-centric, future-ready force where technology empowers the soldier to “fight smarter and strike faster.” The celebrations are set to conclude with ‘Shaurya Sandhya,’ graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, featuring a spectacular 1,000-drone show and a reenactment of Op Sindoor, cementing the bond between the protectors of the nation and the citizens they serve.
