Rehearsals for the Republic Day (26 January) parade have started these days on the duty path of the capital Delhi. In such a situation, this time a special and emotional scene will be seen on the path of duty. 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 Camel
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 the Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies 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.
On Republic Day 2026, when the Army’s contingent animals will pass through the duty route, 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.
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