The Indian Army may be getting equipped with new weapons, drones, robots and military equipment, but it is still keeping pace with the traditional warriors. This is the reason that for the first time in the Republic Day Parade this year, the silent warriors of the army will also be seen, who have been helping the soldiers on the battlefield for years.
These silent warriors include the double-humped Bactrian camels of Ladakh and raptors (birds of prey), which the Indian Army uses for anti-drone warfare. The special thing is that for the first time a woman officer has been deployed in the RVC i.e. Remount and Veterinary Corps, which provides training and care to these very special animals and birds.
Captain Harshita Raghav will take command of the animal squad.
Captain Harshita Raghav will command the Army’s Animal Squad in the Republic Day Parade. While talking to ABP News after the full dress rehearsal held in the capital Delhi on Friday, Captain Raghav said that for the first time, the animal contingent of the Indian Army will participate in the parade in such a large and organized form. These animals will not only show the strength of the army, but will also show how important a place is given to their contribution in the defense of the country.
This special squad includes two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four birds of prey (Raptors), 10 army dogs of Indian breed and 06 traditional military dogs already working in the army.
Bactrian camels will lead the army contingent
Bactrian camels will lead the Army contingent in the parade, which have recently been deployed in the cold desert areas of Ladakh. These special types of camels are found only in selected areas of Ladakh and Central Asia. In the year 2020, after the Galwan clash on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) adjacent to China in eastern Ladakh, these special camels were made a part of the logistics wing of the army. For this, these camels have been given special military training.
These camels can work easily in very cold weather and at altitudes of more than 15 thousand feet. They can carry goods up to 250 kg and cover long distances with less water and fodder. This helps the army a lot in providing supplies to remote and difficult areas.
Zanskar Pony
After Bactrian camels, Zanskar pony will keep pace with them, which is a rare and indigenous breed of Ladakh. Despite being small in size, they have tremendous strength and stamina. These ponies can carry a weight of 40 to 60 kg in minus (-) 40 degree temperature and in very high altitude areas. Since 2020, she has been serving with soldiers in difficult areas like Siachen and sometimes patrols up to 70 kilometers in a day.
hunter raptors
The four birds of prey (Raptors) included in the parade show the new and smart thinking of the Army. They are used in surveillance and anti-drone i.e. air security related work, which makes army operations more secure.
K9 Squad
The most emotional part of this parade will be the dogs of the Indian Army, who are fondly called “silent warriors”. These dogs are trained at the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps Center located in Meerut. They work shoulder to shoulder with soldiers in anti-terrorism operations, explosives and landmine detection, search-and-rescue operations and disaster relief. Many times these dogs have saved the lives of soldiers without caring for their own lives.
Under Self-reliant India, the Army is now inducting dogs of Indian breeds like Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam on a large scale. This is a clear sign of India’s growing confidence in its capabilities.
When the Army Animal-Contingent animals pass through the duty path on Republic Day 2026, they will remind that the country is not protected by weapons alone. From the snowy peaks of Siachen to the cold desert of Ladakh, these animals have quietly but firmly performed their duty. These are not just helpers, but true companions of the Indian Army and brave warriors who walk on four legs.
