New Delhi: Flypasts by the Indian Air Force aircraft are one of the most awaited activities during the Republic Day celebrations. Adding to the excitement and enthusiasm are the visual treats of these aircraft which provide a bird's eye view from the cockpit. The flypast began with the ‘Dhwaj’ formation with four Mi-17 aircraft. It was followed by the second formation of ‘Rahat’ which included five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). The third formation was ‘Rudra’ which had four ALHs.
A total of 50 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, including Sukhoi and Rafael, participated in the flypast and made their way through the low-visibility skies of Delhi.
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The flypast started with the 'Prachand' formation consisting of Advanced Light Helicopters followed by the 'Tiranga' formation with five Sarang Advanced Light Helicopters flying at a speed of 150 kilometres per hour.
Next up came the 'Netr' formation with Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) comprising four Rafael aircraft leaving the viewers with their chins up in awe.
The 'Bheem' formation led by group captain AK Patnaik flew past the National War Memorial and Kartavya Path at a speed of 550 kilometres per hour with Boeing C17 and two Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.
Six Jaguar jet aircraft comprised the 'Amrit' formation which was led by group captain NP Verma flew at a speed of 750 kilometres per hour over the National War Memorial and Kartavya Path during the spectacular air show.
Followed by Trishul's formation were three Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft led by group captain A Dhankhar and 'Vijay' formation led by R Kataria concluded the Indian Air Force's flypast at the Republic Day celebrations.