The Bhairav light commando battalion, established in October 2025, made its public debut during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. This battalion signifies the Indian Army’s evolving combat strategies and preparedness for future operations. Additionally, the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’ was unveiled for the first time during the parade.
The 4 BHAIRAV Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment aims to bridge the gap between traditional infantry units and special forces. This initiative enhances India’s ability to conduct rapid, agile, and high-intensity combat missions effectively. Suryastra, India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher system, was showcased, designed for precise surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of 150 and 300 kilometers.
Unlike conventional rocket artillery platforms, Suryastra is a versatile launcher capable of accommodating various rocket and missile types on a single platform. This feature provides increased operational flexibility and adaptability in a variety of combat scenarios. The introduction of the Suryastra system represents a significant advancement in India’s rocket artillery capabilities, emphasizing the emphasis on local development and long-range precision firepower.
A mixed scouts contingent, equipped in heavy thermal combat attire, participated in the Republic Day parade for the first time. Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts, this contingent symbolizes India’s elite infantry units specializing in high-altitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance tasks. The mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry, in combat gear, along with essential Army assets and indigenous platforms, paraded in a ‘phased battle array formation’ for the first time.
