IAF to Showcase Operation Sindoor Formation in Republic Day Flypast with Historic Battle Array
The Indian Air Force is set to present a powerful aerial display during this year's Republic Day celebrations, featuring a special Operation Sindoor formation that will mark a significant departure from traditional flypast formats. For the first time in Republic Day history, the public will witness military assets arranged in the exact sequence they would appear during actual combat operations, providing an unprecedented glimpse into India's operational readiness.
The Powerful Sindoor Formation Composition
According to officials speaking in New Delhi, the Sindoor Formation will comprise seven advanced fighter aircraft, creating a formidable display of India's air power capabilities. The formation will include:
- Two Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft
- Two Su-30 MKI air superiority fighters
- Two MiG-29 air defense aircraft
- One Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft
This carefully curated selection represents the cutting edge of India's fighter fleet and demonstrates the IAF's operational diversity across different mission profiles.
Operation Sindoor: The Historical Context
The formation takes its name from Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 last year when Indian forces carried out precision strikes against terror infrastructure following the Pahalgam attack. Wing Commander Rajesh Deshwal explained that several formations will be dedicated to commemorating the success of this operation during the Republic Day celebrations.
"These include the Prahar Formation, the Garud Formation, and a powerful, dedicated formation known as the Sindoor Formation," Deshwal stated during a media briefing. The Prahar Formation will feature three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) - two from the Indian Army and one from the Indian Air Force - with the lead aircraft carrying the Operation Sindoor flag.
Comprehensive Aerial Display with Multiple Formations
The Republic Day flypast will feature a total of 29 aircraft from six different bases, representing a comprehensive showcase of India's aerial capabilities. The breakdown includes:
- 16 fighter aircraft showcasing air superiority and strike capabilities
- 4 transport aircraft demonstrating strategic airlift capacity
- 9 helicopters highlighting rotary-wing versatility
The flypast will commence with the Dhwaj formation, where four Mi-17 IV helicopters will carry the National Flag alongside the flags of the three services. The display will prominently feature the capabilities of the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets including the C-130 and C-295 transport planes, as well as the Indian Navy's P-8i maritime patrol aircraft.
Jointmanship and Indigenous Platforms on Display
Attack helicopters will form a crucial part of the demonstration, with the IAF's ALH MK IV and the Indian Army's ALH WSI, Apache and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) participating to showcase jointmanship between services. This integrated approach reflects the modern battlefield reality where different military branches operate in close coordination.
This year's Republic Day holds special significance as it marks the first celebration after Operation Sindoor. India will showcase its military might in a phased battle array format, including the newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and a range of indigenous platforms. The assets will move down Kartavya Path in formations mirroring actual battle scenarios, beginning with reconnaissance elements followed by logistics and personnel units wearing full battle gear.
Additional Highlights and Technological Showcases
A "veteran's tableau" will also be displayed, featuring the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the front portion alongside 3D models of historical war machines including the T-55 and Vijayant Tank, Hunter, MiG-21, Mirage and Jaguar aircraft, INS Mysore and INS Rajput, and representations from the 1965, 1971 wars and 1999 Kargil Operation Vijay. The rear portion will highlight veterans' contributions to national development through voluntary efforts in flood relief, medical services, education and the 'Make in India' initiative.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase path-breaking innovations including the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and technologies for combat submarines. The LR-AShM represents a significant technological achievement as a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging both static and moving targets with indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages.
With a total of 30 tableaux - 17 from States/Union Territories and 13 from Ministries/Departments/Services - rolling down Kartavya Path, this year's Republic Day parade promises to be a comprehensive display of India's military prowess, technological achievements, and cultural diversity under the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
