India Air Force to Showcase ‘Sindoor’ Formation with 29 Aircraft in Republic Day Flypast

The Indian Air Force will present a striking new aerial formation named Sindoor during the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, featuring 29 aircraft in a powerful display of precision and might. This special formation honours Operation Sindoor, the tri-services military operation conducted from May 7 to 10 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Wing Commander Rajesh Deshwal highlighted the significance of the flypast, stating it offers “a glimpse of Operation Sindoor” and is dedicated to the Garuda, Prahaar, and Sindoor formations for their outstanding performance. The aerial showcase will include 16 fighter jets, 4 transport aircraft, and 9 helicopters, flying in multiple iconic formations such as Dhwaj, Prahar, Garud, Arjan, Varuna, and Vajrang. The IAF’s overarching theme for the year, “Achook, Abhedya va Sateek” (Unerring, Impenetrable, and Precise), will be vividly reflected in the display.

The flypast will feature a diverse array of platforms, including Advanced Light Helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, the Indian Navy’s P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters, and various transport aircraft. A symbolic flag of Operation Sindoor will also be carried during the event, commemorating the high-precision campaign that demonstrated India’s swift and coordinated military response to cross-border terrorism.

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This year, the Indian Air Force leads all Republic Day ceremonial activities. The parade on Kartavya Path will showcase advanced indigenous weapon systems, including BrahMos missiles, Akash air defence systems, drones, and marching contingents. A notable highlight will be the debut of the Bhairav battalion. The event will also feature 30 tableaux—17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services—celebrating 150 years of “Vande Mataram” and the vision of an “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.

Adding international significance, Presidents of the European Council Antonio Costa and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will attend as chief guests. Defence officials have promised several “firsts” this year, including innovative formats to make the parade more engaging for spectators and an enhanced aerial display in battle array formation.

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