New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Bhairav light commando battalion, established in October 2025, made its inaugural public appearance during the 77th Republic Day festivities at Kartavya Path, showcasing the Indian Army's evolving combat strategies and readiness for future challenges.

Alongside this introduction, the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) known as Suryastra was also unveiled for the first time during the ceremonial parade.

The 4 BHAIRAV Battalion, part of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, has been formed to fill the operational gap between standard infantry troops and special forces, enhancing India's capability for rapid, agile, and high-intensity combat operations.

Simultaneously, Suryastra was presented as India's premier indigenous multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher, designed to execute precise surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of 150 kilometers and 300 kilometers.

In contrast to traditional rocket artillery systems, Suryastra is crafted as a universal launcher capable of accommodating various rocket and missile types on one platform, thereby providing improved operational flexibility and adaptability across diverse combat situations.

The introduction and exhibition of the Suryastra rocket system marked a substantial advancement in India's rocket artillery modernization, emphasizing a commitment to indigenous innovation and long-range precision firepower.

A mixed scouts contingent, donned in heavy thermal combat attire, also made its debut at the Republic Day parade. Commanded by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary from the 2 Arunachal Scouts, this contingent marched down Kartavya Path, symbolizing India's elite infantry units that specialize in high-altitude surveillance and border reconnaissance.

The mounted unit of the 61 Cavalry, outfitted in combat gear, alongside vital Army assets and indigenous platforms, also paraded down Kartavya Path for the first time in a ‘phased battle array formation’.

Under this phased battle array concept, forces advanced along the ceremonial boulevard in a manner that mimics actual battlefield movements, beginning with reconnaissance units, followed by logistics and personnel accompanying combat platforms, all presented in operational battle attire.

The 61 Cavalry, traditionally leading the armed forces' parade in ceremonial dress and distinctive headgear, appeared this year in combat gear, marking a significant shift from tradition while reinforcing the operational theme of the parade.

The Republic Day celebrations were initiated with a cultural performance by 100 artists, setting the atmosphere for the parade under the theme “Vishwaguru Bharat - Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the festivities by unfurling the National Flag and guiding the nation in commemorating this historic day.

The flag's unfurling was followed by the National Anthem and a resounding 21-gun salute, executed with indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests, adding an international dimension to the Republic Day event.