A total of 46 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, comprising 29 fighter aircraft, 7 transport aircraft, 9 helicopters, and one heritage aircraft, are poised to participate in this year's Republic Day flypast. These aircraft will operate from six different bases, showcasing the country's aerial prowess.
The Republic Day parade, commencing at 10:30 AM on January 26 from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path, will be led by Delhi Area Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, according to Major General Sumit Mehta quoted by ANI.
The Indian Air Force flypast, comprising 51 planes with 15 women onboard, will include highlights such as the Aahvan by blowing of shankhs. This year marks the sixth time a French president participates and the second time the French contingent joins the parade. Major General Sumit Mehta emphasised the high level of women's participation, contributing to 80% of activities along Kartavya Path.
Take A Glimpse At IAF's Impressive Display Set For R-Day Parade:
The 'Tangail' formation during the Republic Day flypast will include the heritage aircraft Dakota, flanked by two Dornier Do-228 aircraft flying with a blended mixture of Aviation Turbine Fuel and Biofuel, as reported by news agency ANI on Tuesday.
The 'Tangail' formation aims to reenact the historic airdrop of Indian Air Force personnel on December 11, 1971, marking the first such drop on hostile territory during the India-Pakistan war. Alongside this display, made-in-India weapon systems and platforms from the Indian Army, including the LCH Prachand chopper, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Nag anti-tank missiles, will be featured in the Republic Day parade, the ANI report said.
Designed and manufactured by HAL, the LCH Prachand is India's first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, equipped with potent ground attack and aerial combat capabilities, according to ANI. Notable features include modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection, and formidable night attack capability. The helicopter is armed with an advanced navigation system, close combat guns, and potent air-to-air missiles, making it well-suited for modern battlefield scenarios.
Developed by DRDO, the Nag missile is designed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions, boasting "Fire & Forget" and "Top Attack" capabilities with passive homing guidance. The NAG missile carrier NAMICA, based on the BMP II platform, showcases amphibious capability, the report said.
At the Republic Day parade, India will also exhibit the latest indigenously produced armoured vehicles and specialist vehicles. The Quick Fighting Reaction Vehicle, Light Specialist Vehicle, and the All-Terrain Vehicle will march on the Kartavya Path, as per the report. The parade will feature weapon systems such as the T-90 tank, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, Drone jammers, Advanced Sarvatra bridge, Medium Range Surface Air Missile launcher, and multi-function radar, it added further.
Among the showcased indigenous technologies is the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, capable of locating guns, mortars, and rockets fired by enemy troops. This radar facilitates counter-bombardment by Indian firepower resources, ensuring operational tasks proceed without interference and providing safety against enemy fire.
The Indian Army will also showcase the weaponized version of the ALH Dhruv choppers, known as the Rudra, along with successful exports like the Pinaka and the Swathi radar, both developed by DRDO. These displays will underscore India's military capabilities and technological advancements on the global stage. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade, as confirmed by Army officials speaking to ANI.