Republic Day Parade Sees Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra — What’s New?

India’s 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path sent a strong message of transformation. Beyond ceremonial splendour, the parade highlighted the Indian Army’s evolving combat doctrine. The first public appearance of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and the indigenous Suryastra rocket system reflected a clear shift towards agility, realism and self-reliant military capability.

Why in News?

During the 77th Republic Day Parade, the Indian Army showcased new combat formations and indigenous weapon systems for the first time, marking a strategic transition from symbolic display to operational realism.

Bhairav Light Commando Battalio

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, raised in October 2025, made its maiden public appearance at the parade.

• The 4 Bhairav Battalion belongs to the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment
• It is designed to bridge the gap between conventional infantry and special forces
• Focuses on swift, high-intensity missions in difficult terrains
• Enhances India’s ability for agile and flexible combat operations
• This formation reflects the Indian Army’s shift towards a lean, rapid-response force structure suited for future conflicts.

Suryastra Rocket System

A major highlight of the parade was the first-ever display of the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLLS) – Suryastra.

• India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher
• Capable of precision surface-to-surface strikes
• Strike ranges of 150 km and 300 km
• Can integrate multiple rocket and missile variants on a single platform
• Unlike traditional artillery systems, Suryastra offers operational flexibility, underlining India’s progress in Atmanirbhar defence manufacturing.

Operational Realism Replaces Ceremonial Tradition

The parade showcased a distinct focus on battlefield realism rather than ceremonial aesthetics.

• Scouts contingent appeared in heavy thermal combat gear
• Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts
• Highlighted India’s focus on high-altitude surveillance and border reconnaissance
• The 61 Cavalry appeared in full combat gear for the first time, breaking tradition
• Army columns advanced in phased battle array formations, replicating real operational movement from reconnaissance to logistics and combat.

Republic Day Ceremony and Global Attention

The celebrations began with a cultural performance themed “Vishwaguru Bharat – Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

• President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the National Flag
• A 21-gun salute was fired using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns
• The event was attended by Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
• Their presence added global significance to India’s display of military modernisation.

Question

Q. The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion belongs to which regiment?

A) Gorkha Rifles
B) Sikh Light Infantry
C) Rajput Regiment
D) Assam Rifles