Over 6,000 military personnel will take part in this year's Republic Day Parade, with Bhairav Battalion and Shaktibaan regiment to take part in the parade for the first time.
The S-400 air defence system, which shot down a Pakistani air forces asset at the longest range in the world, 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.
Talking about the delay in S-400 air defence system from Russia, and the delays in orders from Israel, the Defence Secretary said that both the countries are facing supply chain issues due to the ongoing conflict in their respective regions.
The Indian side would prefer to get S-500 air defence system which has more range than the S-400 but it would require a clearance from the top Russian leadership for its sale
The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat, aborting their missions.
The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat, aborting their missions.
Amid the growing close ties between India and Russia, New Delhi has asked Moscow to expedite and advance the deliveries of the S-400 air defence missile system deliveries.
Russia and India had signed a deal to buy five squadrons of the S-400 air defence system, of which three have already been supplied, while the remaining two could not be supplied on time due to developing situations in view of the Russia-Ukraine war, which is still ongoing.
The major aerial exercise 'Poorvi Akash' held across the northeastern states along the China border by the Indian Air Force included joint operations with the Army and involved high-tech lethal weapons such as the 'Sudarshan' S-400 air defence missile systems.
With the Air Force having already operationalised three of its S-400 air defence missile squadrons along borders with China and Pakistan, Indian and Russian officials are set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the reminding two squadrons.
The IAF had signed a contract for five squadrons of the S-400 air defence missile systems of which three units were received in time but two squadrons have not yet been supplied.