IAF's Stunning 40-Aircraft Flypast at Republic Day Parade
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Synopsis
On January 16, the Indian Air Force revealed plans for an awe-inspiring flypast with 40 aircraft during the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The display will include 22 fighter jets, 11 transport planes, and 7 helicopters, showcasing various formations.
Key Takeaways
- 40 aircraft including 22 fighter jets.
- Performing 12 formations from 10 bases.
- Initial formation named Dhwaj.
- Participation of skilled IAF pilots.
- President to receive salute during parade.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Indian Air Force is set to showcase a stunning aerial performance during this year's Republic Day festivities at Kartavya Path. This impressive flypast will feature a total of 40 aircraft, comprising 22 fighter jets, 11 transport planes, and seven helicopters.
These aircraft will launch from 10 distinct bases and will execute 12 various formations. Notably, the Tejas and ALH will not be included in this year's Republic Day flypast.
The initial formation in the IAF flypast will be known as ‘Dhwaj’. In addition, formations such as 'Ajay', 'Satluj', 'Katar', 'Baaz', 'Rakshak', 'Arjan', 'Varuna', 'Netra', and 'Bheem' will adorn the skies during the celebrations.
The IAF has announced that five Jaguar aircraft will form an arrow shape in the sky. The 'Vajraang' formation will be created by six Rafale jets, while Sukhoi jets will execute a 'Trishul' formation.
To conclude the flypast, Rafale jets will perform the 'Vertical Charlie' formation.
According to Wing Commander Manish Sharma, the most skilled fighter pilots from the IAF will take part in this aerial display. The Republic Day Parade will commence following the flag-hoisting ceremony at Kartavya Path.
The parade will be led by the General Officer Commanding of the Delhi area, with the Chief of Staff serving as the parade's second-in-command.
After the National Flag is unfurled, President Droupadi Murmu will receive the salute. This year, the IAF marching contingent will consist of four officers (one Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 airmen.
The Contingent Commander will be Sqn Leader Mahender Singh, accompanied by Flt Lt Damini Deshmukh, Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem, and Abhinav Ghosh as supernumerary officers.
The Air Force Contingent will march in a 12 by 12 formation, synchronized to the music played by the IAF band, which comprises 72 musicians. The band will perform the tune 'Sound Barrier' as it passes the Presidential dais.
The Republic Day celebrations will begin with a homage ceremony at the National War Memorial (NWM), where the Prime Minister will lay a wreath. An Inter-Services Guard, consisting of 21 inner guards (seven from each service) and six buglers (two from each service), will be present. The IAF's inner guards will comprise one Sergeant and six Corporals and below. The Inter-Services Guards will present 'Salami Shastra', followed by 'Shok Shastra'. Concurrently, the buglers will sound the 'Last Post'. Following this, a two-minute silence will be observed.
Once the silence concludes, the guards will again present 'Salami Shastra' and 'Shok Shastra', and the buglers will play 'Rouse'.
The Prime Minister will then exit the NWM to sign the Visitor's book. After the Republic Day Parade, the 'Beating The Retreat' ceremony will take place at Vijay Chowk on January 29, featuring the IAF Band with 121 musicians performing memorable tunes.
