This year, the Indian skies will witness the ‘Operation Sindoor’ formation on the Republic Day parade. The formation flying would comprise two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s, and one Jaguar aircraft in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Republic Day flypast. These combat jets were part of the operation.
The aircraft and helicopters will display a variety of formations, including Operation Sindoor, Dhwaj, Prahar, Garud, Arjan, Varuna, and Vajrang. The flypast will also carry the flag of 'Operation Sindoor' to commemorate India's high-precision tri-services military campaign against Pakistan-based terrorists from May 7 to 10.
The other platforms to feature in the flypast are the C-130 and C-295 transport planes, the Indian Navy's P-8i aircraft, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK IV, the Indian Army's ALH (Weapons System Integration version), and the Apache and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).
‘Operation Sindoor’ was India’s response to the deadliest Pahalgam attack of April’25 where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent people. During the May’25 operation, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed bases of Pakistan-based terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir.
For India’s 77th anniversary of its transition to a republic in 1950, IAF is the lead service for the conduct of all ceremonial events related to the celebrations.
IAF's marching contingent will comprise 144 young air warriors selected from across the service in recognition of their exemplary military bearing. The contingent will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh as Supernumerary Officers.
The IAF band, to be led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel, will be supporting the marching contingent. The band will comprise 72 elite musicians, including 57 Agniveervayu and nine Agniveervayu women (who are being introduced for the first time). When the band passes the Presidential dais, it will perform the tune "Sound Barrier," showcasing its versatility and the modern composition of the force.
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