As India marks its 77th Republic Day on Monday, the skies over Kartavya Path came alive with a breathtaking showcase of the nation’s military strength. The Indian Army and Air Force demonstrated precision, agility, and cutting-edge technology in a series of aerial and ground displays, underlining India’s growing capabilities to safeguard its borders and support troops in diverse operational theatres.
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Army Helicopters Take Center Stage
Proudly carrying the #OperationSindoor flag, indigenous DHRUV Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant RUDRA, flying in the Prahar formation and showcasing India’s advanced battlefield-shaping capabilities.
pic.twitter.com/HmoAIeQKLt— OSINT Spectator (@osint1117) January 26, 2026
The Army’s advanced attack helicopters stole the spotlight during the celebrations. RUDRA, the armed variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, took to the skies in a formation led by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Pasha and Group Captain Arunva Pal. Known as a formidable battlefield force multiplier, RUDRA provides close air support against enemy infantry, armoured vehicles, tanks, and even hostile helicopters. Its synergy with the Air Force, missiles, and artillery ensures lethal and precise strikes in modern warfare.
Joining RUDRA was the Apache AH-64E, piloted by Colonel Vikrant Sharma, Sena Medal. This medium-lift attack helicopter, India’s first of its kind, comes equipped with Longbow Fire Control Radar, Hellfire missiles, a 30-mm chain gun, rockets, and air-to-air missiles. It delivers day-night, all-terrain precision strikes, capable of neutralising enemy tanks from distances up to eight kilometres.
The LCH Prachand, flown by Lt Col TT Bharadwaj, added high-altitude prowess to the display. Designed for reconnaissance, precision fire support, and rapid deployment, Prachand enhances combat effectiveness in challenging terrains and ensures quick response against emerging threats.
IAF Concludes Republic Day With Spectacular Flypast
#WATCH | Delhi: The Indian Air Force presents fly-past during the 77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 Parade on Kartavya Path
(Visuals of Arjan Formation comprising one C-130 ac in lead with two C-295 ac in echelon in ‘Vic’ Formation.)
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/X2QGTfLriC
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
The Indian Air Force concluded the celebrations with a grand flypast that left spectators mesmerised. The Arjan Formation, led by a C-130 Hercules, guided two C-295 transport aircraft flying in a Vic formation, demonstrating operational versatility and teamwork.
In a display of fighter strength, the “Sindoor Formation” soared across the skies, comprising two Rafales, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s, and a Jaguar aircraft. The flypast, conducted in step with the marching contingents, showcased precision, speed, and India’s air dominance.
IAF fighter jets thunder over Kartavya Path in an Operation Sindoor formation on Republic Day. During Op Sindoor, the Indian Air Force struck 9 terror camps deep inside Pakistan, when PAF tried to retaliate, India crippled 12 PAF airbases and downed multiple fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/NEnh278UAV
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) January 26, 2026
The IAF contingent, including four officers and 144 airmen, was led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhery, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh as supernumerary officers, highlighting coordination and discipline at the highest level.
