In a first, the S-400 air defence missile system will be displayed on the department of Military Affairs tableau during the Republic Day 2026 parade, according to Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal.
The S-400 was used to destroy numerous Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor. During the operation, S-400 air defence systems were used in the Indian Air Force's counter-offensive against Pakistan that shot down an estimated five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and a spy plane at a range of more than 300 km, within Pakistan's borders.
The armed forces deemed the S-400 air defence missile system a "game-changer" during the four-day conflict that was launched to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
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Operation Sindoor tableau
This year, the department of Military Affairs is presenting the "Tri-Services Tableau - Operation Sindoor," which highlights the teamwork and successful joint operations of India's armed forces.
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar will lead the parade for the fourth consecutive time, Major General Navraj Dhillon announced on Friday. A total of 6,050 military personnel will take part in the parade. Military assets such as Bhairav, Shaktibaan, UGV and ATAGS will also be featured in the event.
Grand visual display
In total, 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26 in New Delhi. This includes 17 tableaux from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from various ministries, departments and services.
According to a Ministry of Defence release, the Republic Day celebrations will showcase a grand visual display under the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The tableaux will present a unique mix that commemorates 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and highlights the nation's rapid progress through increased self-reliance in various sectors, while also reflecting India's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
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Other tableaux participating
Some of the other participating tableaux include Assam - Asharikandi - Terracotta Craft Village of Assam, Chhattisgarh - The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram, Gujarat - Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram, Kerala - Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy, Maharashtra - Ganeshotsav; Manipur - Towards Prosperity, Nagaland - The Hornbill Festival - Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance, Tamil Nadu - Mantra of Prosperity, Ministry of Culture - Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting - Bharat Katha.
