Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India Celebrates 78th Army Day
India celebrated its 78th Army Day with a grand parade in Jaipur, marking the first time it was held in a public urban route outside a military cantonment.
The parade showcased various military units, including the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, and highlighted advanced technologies like robot dogs, drones, and missile systems.
Dignitaries such as the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chief of Army Staff attended the event.
The parade also featured an all-girls marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for indigenous equipment, calling it a strategic necessity.
Political leaders, including the President and Prime Minister, praised the Army's courage and commitment.
The event honored fallen soldiers with the presentation of Sena Gallantry awards.
The 78th Army Day parade was held in Jaipur, marking the first time it was conducted in a public urban route outside a military cantonment.
The parade showcased various military units, including the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, and displayed advanced technologies like robot dogs, drones, and missile systems.
Dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma attended the event.
An all-girls marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was part of the parade, led by Senior Under Officer Kavitha Kumawar.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for indigenous equipment, calling it a strategic necessity, and the parade honored fallen soldiers with the presentation of Sena Gallantry awards.
- Who
- Indian Army personnel, dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bajwa, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Congress Members Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi
- What
- 78th Army Day parade showcasing military capabilities, new units, and honoring fallen soldiers
- When
- January 15, 2026
- Where
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Why
- To commemorate the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces and to showcase the Army's capabilities and new initiatives
- Date
- January 15, 2026
- Location
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Key Dignitaries Present
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bajwa
- New Unit Showcased
- Bhairav Battalion
- Technical Capabilities Displayed
- Robot dogs (MULES), all-terrain vehicles, BrahMos missile, IDDIS, combat drones, BM-21 Grad, SMERCH system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, M777 ultra-light howitzer, Akashteer system, Igla man-portable air defence system, upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, Nag missile system, K-9 Vajra artillery system, mobile anti-tank teams, ZU-23 twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun, Bhishma Tank (T-90), Indigenous Arjun Tank
- Special Contingent
- All-girls marching contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC)
- Significance
- First time Army Day parade held in public, outside cantonment area
- Awards Presented
- Sena Gallantry awards to posthumous soldiers: Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Hawaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar
Sources
'Symbol of selfless service': President, PM, Defence Minister extend Army Day wishes to armed forces personnel
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78th Army Day Parade: BrahMos Missiles, Bhishma Tanks Roll Through Jaipur
Military might on display in Jaipur as Army Day Parade held outside Cantt area for first time
Jaguars, Apache Choppers, Brahmos missile add grandeur and gaiety to Army Parade in Jaipur
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India outperforming adversaries in Information Warfare: Army Chief
Rajasthan News: 78th Army Day Parade Showcases Indian Army’s Valor In Jaipur
From being hosted in a civil area to Bhairav Battalion debut – the many firsts at Army Day Parade
