New Delhi [India], January 26: The Indian Air Force (IAF) delivered a mesmerizing air display at the 76th Republic Day celebrations, leaving spectators in awe with its precision flying and breathtaking formations.
A highlight of the show was the ‘Baaz Formation’ featuring three MiG-29 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation, alongside the IAF Marching Contingent on Kartavya Path. The spectacular flypast included 40 aircraft and helicopters, comprising 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft, and 7 helicopters from the IAF. Among these were Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228, An-32, Apache, and Mi-17 helicopters, all operating from 10 different bases.
The IAF displayed a variety of formations, such as Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul, and Vijay. The grand finale featured the thrilling Vertical Charlie manoeuvre performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.
The first aerial formation, ‘Dhwaj Formation,’ proudly carried the National Ensign, alongside the service ensigns of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit led the formation, showering vibrant petals onto the audience as a heartfelt tribute.
Group Captain Alok Ahlawat led the flypast, followed by Deputy Formation Leader Wing Commander Shailendra Kumar Singh, representing the Indian Army Ensign, Wing Commander Rohit Tiwari, carrying the Indian Navy Ensign, and Wing Commander Vinay, representing the Indian Air Force Flag.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem and the release of balloons carrying banners celebrating 76 years of India’s Constitution, depicted in both English and Hindi.
The IAF marching contingent, led by Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati, included 144 airmen in a 12×12 formation. The IAF band, directed by Sergeant Charles Anthony Daniel, featured 72 musicians, including 22 Agniveers, who played “Sound Barrier” as they passed the presidential dais.
This year’s Republic Day also marked a historic moment with the participation of Agniveervayu women in the Tri-Services Contingent. Forty-eight IAF Agniveervayu women, trained in synchronized drill manoeuvres, performed publicly for the first time on Kargil Vijay Diwas in 2024.
The IAF, a symbol of national pride, continues to soar higher in both its defense capabilities and humanitarian missions. The force has played a pivotal role in disaster relief, both within India and abroad, providing vital support during natural calamities, airlifting relief materials, and conducting casualty evacuations.
The IAF is also expanding its global presence, with plans to establish six new defense wings in Spain, Armenia, and Ivory Coast, enhancing its strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, America, and Africa.
Through large-scale exercises such as Ex-Vayu Shakti-24 and Ex-Gagan Shakti-24, the IAF demonstrated its operational readiness and ability to execute complex missions with precision, further solidifying its reputation as a force of excellence.