Republic Day 2026 flypast will feature 29 aircraft and a new 'Sindoor' fighter formation, honouring Operation Sindoor and showcasing India's air power.
Republic Day 2026 flypast will feature 29 aircraft and a new 'Sindoor' fighter formation [Photo: X]
India's 77th Republic Day parade will showcase a spectacular aerial display on January 26, with 29 aircraft taking part in a revamped flypast that highlights the Indian Air Force's combat prowess and operational readiness.
The highlight this year will be a new fighter jet formation called ‘Sindoor’, paying tribute to the Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor, a precise military response to last year’s Pahalgam terror attack.
For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will fly the ‘Sindoor’ formation during the Republic Day aerial display. This formation will include two Rafale fighter jets, two Su-30 aircraft, two MiG-29s and one Jaguar, representing the types that took part in Operation Sindoor, India’s swift air strikes on terror and militant infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam attack.
Air force officials say the formation symbolises India’s air dominance and technological edge, and reflects how modern combat aircraft work together in coordinated missions.
The flypast will be presented in two phases for the first time. A total of 29 aircraft will participate:
These aircraft will fly in multiple named formations such as Vajrang, Varuna, Arjan, Garud, Prahar and Dhwaj, showcasing various aspects of the IAF’s capability.
The display will also include maritime surveillance planes like the P-8I, advanced transport aircraft such as the C-130J and C-295, and Apache and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) for attack roles.
Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The Indian military carried out coordinated strikes targeting militant strongholds and infrastructure.
The operation lasted four days and is remembered as a demonstration of precision air capability and tri-service coordination. Including a formation named after the operation links this year’s parade to recent military achievements and honours the forces involved.
This year’s flypast is part of a broader shift in how India showcases its defence capabilities. Alongside aerial displays, the parade will feature a “phased battle array” format on the ground, which shows how different military elements deploy together in combat, from reconnaissance to logistics and frontline units.
The aerial segment is designed to align with this battle array theme, reinforcing the Air Force’s strategic role within India’s defence doctrine.
Another first at the parade will be the participation of women Agniveers in the IAF band. Nine women will perform alongside their male counterparts, marking a milestone for gender representation in the armed forces.
The parade will also feature 18 marching contingents, 13 bands and 30 tableaux, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and military strength.
European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa will be the chief guests, underscoring India’s diplomatic ties with key global partners. The intricate aerial choreography and themed formations reflect both India’s defence credentials and its evolving geopolitical narrative on the world stage.
