NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force flypast stole the spotlight at the 77th Republic Day parade, captivating spectators from start to finish. The aerial segment began with a ceremonial flower shower and continued through a series of meticulously coordinated formations showcasing the IAF’s speed, precision and combat readiness. A total of 29 aircraft participated in this year’s Republic Day flypast, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. The platforms operated out of five different bases, reflecting the scale of planning and coordination involved in executing the aerial display.Following the event, the Indian Air Force shared the IAF perspective videos from the air show and flypast.Four Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit will conduct the ceremonial showering of flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation. Led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, the formation will troop the National Flag as part of the Republic Day aerial segment.
The Indian military’s Operation Sindoor remained the centre of attraction throughout the parade. The helicopters in the formation also carried the Operation Sindoor flag as they flew over Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital. A perspective formation video shared by the Indian Air Force shows AH-64E Apache attack helicopters flying over Kartavya Path, offering a striking aerial view of India Gate as they pass overhead. The iconic Sindoor formation, comprising two Rafale, two MiG-29, two Su-30 and one Jaguar aircraft flying in a ‘Spearhead’ pattern, paid tribute to the Indian Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor. The dramatic flypast referenced the four-day confrontation in early May that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Spectators and dignitaries watched as the mixed combat fleet showcased both the diversity and the modern combat readiness of India’s air power. Go to Source