New Delhi: The S-400 air defence system, which shot down multiple Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, would be showcased at the Department of Military Affairs tableau during the Republic Day 2026 parade for the first time, according to Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal. The S-400 missile systems were successfully used to bring down multiple Pakistani fighter jets, drones and spy planes. As per the official reports, The Indian Air Force’s S-400 missile system brought down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane at a distance of over 300 km deep inside Pakistan during the four-day conflict and has been termed as a “game-changer” by the Armed Forces. S-400, thus successfully defended the territorial integrity and national security architecture of India.
The Department of Military Affairs this year is showcasing the “Tri-Services Tableau-Operation Sindoor”, focusing on the operational jointness and success of India’s military forces. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar will head the parade for the fourth time. A total of 6050 military personnel are taking part in the parade. Moreover, Bhairav, Shaktibaan, UGV and ATAGS are also taking part in the parade. A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26.
According to a Ministry of Defence release, Republic Day celebrations will feature a grand display under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The tableaux will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.
The list of the participating tableaux includes 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; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting – Bharat Katha.
The Ministry of Defence will also be represented with its tableaux, including the veteran tableau, depicting the nation-building efforts through war and the naval tableau, “Samudra Se Samriddhi”, which will reflect the country’s maritime strength. The Ministry of Culture’s tableau will represent the soul of India through “Vande Mataram”.
(With Inputs from ANI)
