India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi were a powerful showcase of the nation’s military evolution, cultural heritage, and unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defense. Among the most talked-about moments was the debut of two cutting-edge combat support systems: Shaktibaan and Divyastra. These platforms stole the spotlight, symbolizing India’s push toward next-generation, drone-integrated artillery and precision strike capabilities.
The Debut of Shaktibaan and Divyastra: A New Era in Battlefield Readiness
For the first time, the Indian Army presented Shaktibaan and Divyastra as part of a transformative “phased battle array” (Ranbhoomi Vyuh Rachna) format. This innovative display mirrored real-world combat scenarios, integrating reconnaissance, targeting, and strike elements seamlessly.
- Shaktibaan — Commanded by Lieutenant Raman Mishra from the 161 Medium Regiment (Basantar River), this advanced combat support element specializes in drone-centric warfare. It features modern surveillance, targeting systems, swarm drones, tethered drone platforms, and the indigenously developed hybrid UAV ZOLT for tactical reconnaissance and precise artillery guidance.
- Divyastra — Led by Subedar Kiran Medar from the same regiment, Divyastra complements Shaktibaan as a hybrid battery that merges conventional artillery with precision drone integration. Mounted on high-mobility vehicles (HMV 6×6), these systems bridge capability gaps for engaging targets from 50 to 500 kilometers.
Together, they represent India’s next-generation unmanned warhead arsenal, equipped with aerial loitering munitions like HAROP, Mini HARPY, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended and Medium Range), and SKY STRIKER. These enable swarm drone launches, long-range “see and strike” missions over 1,000 km, and enhanced accuracy in dynamic battlefields.
This debut aligns with the Army’s shift toward closing operational gaps through indigenous tech, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense.
Broader Military Highlights: Indigenous Power on Parade
The parade didn’t stop at Shaktibaan and Divyastra. Other standout displays included:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akash surface-to-air missile systems, proven in joint operations.
- Operation Sindoor tableau — A tri-services showcase highlighting joint victory, featuring weapons used in the operation (which reportedly neutralized threats swiftly and decisively).
- Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and other new units like animal contingents (Zanskari ponies, Bactrian camels) for diverse terrains.
- Air assets: Rafale jets in Vijay and Vajraang formations, Apache and Prachand helicopters, and a spectacular flypast.
These elements underscored India’s growing self-reliance, from DRDO-developed systems to integrated drone warfare.
Why This Matters: Symbol of Viksit Bharat and Strategic Confidence
The 77th Republic Day theme, celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, blended patriotic legacy with forward-looking progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence, President Droupadi Murmu’s oversight, and chief guests Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa (EU leaders) highlighted strengthened global ties.
Shaktibaan and Divyastra’s debut signals India’s readiness for modern, hybrid threats blending human ingenuity with AI, robotics, and unmanned systems. It reflects the armed forces’ evolution toward agile, precise, and indigenous capabilities, bolstering deterrence and national security.
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, displays like these inspire pride and reassure citizens of a strong, self-reliant defense posture.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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