The Republic Day Parade 2026, scheduled for 26 January at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, will feature a significant display of India’s evolving defence capabilities, including the Indian Army’s next-generation drone-centric artillery units — Shaktibaan and Divyastra. These formations reflect the Army’s strategic pivot towards networked, technology-driven warfare, combining unmanned aerial systems and precision strike capability with traditional artillery doctrine.
The Shaktibaan regiments have been developed as part of the artillery’s transformation. Designed to operate with an array of loitering munitions, swarm drones and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), these regiments aim to provide a tactical edge in both reconnaissance and precision engagement roles. Reports indicate that around 15 to 20 Shaktibaan regiments are being raised under the Regiment of Artillery, equipped to strike from short to extended ranges and to integrate intelligence, surveillance and targeting in a more cohesive battle network.
Alongside Shaktibaan, the Divyastra batteries represent another innovation in artillery structuring. Each traditional artillery regiment is set to receive a Divyastra battery, which is configured to operate with both medium artillery guns and drone capabilities, enabling real-time surveillance and sensor-to-shooter workflows. These composite batteries enhance the artillery’s versatility by enabling them to track and engage targets using unmanned platforms coupled with firepower.
Both Shaktibaan and Divyastra were integrated into broader Army modernisation plans aimed at meeting the challenges of contemporary and future battlefields, which are increasingly defined by unmanned systems, data networks and rapid strike requirements. The inclusion of these units at the parade illustrates a shift from traditional massed artillery to more flexible, networked formations capable of operating across multiple domains. Experts view these changes as part of India’s adaptation to hybrid warfare environments where information and unmanned assets play a central role.
The Republic Day Parade 2026 itself has been planned with several firsts. Officials have outlined a phased battle array formation, featuring mechanised columns alongside marching contingents, showcasing an array of weapon systems including main battle tanks, artillery guns, unmanned ground vehicles and drone units. The Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of the 61 Cavalry and seven marching contingents, further emphasising the operational breadth of the force.
Apart from static and mobile displays of advanced units like Shaktibaan and Divyastra, the parade will also highlight India’s indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. In addition to artillery innovations, several missile systems, air defence platforms and unmanned systems will be on display, emphasising self-reliance in defence technologies.
The showcase of next-generation drone-integrated artillery units at the Republic Day Parade underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to modernising its combat capabilities and responding to evolving security challenges. From traditional mechanised forces to advanced unmanned systems, the parade is expected to reflect a comprehensive picture of India’s defence preparedness and technological advancements.
