Republic Day 2025: IAF Air Show To Include 40 Aircraft From 10 Airbases, 12 Formations & Contingent Of 148 Personnel

New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase its power during the Republic Day celebrations Sunday. A total of 140 aircraft from 10 air base will fly down to Kartavya Path to take part in the grand show. The aircraft will showcase

All three wings of the defence forces -- Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy -- and personnel from other paramilitary forces will showcase their power at the 'Kartavya Path' on January 26.

All these aircraft will enthral the audience with their breathtaking 12 different formations during the fly-past over Delhi. These aircraft will fly down to Delhi from 10 different airbases across the country, including Jodhpur, Ambala, Bikaner and Agra.

Fighter Jets And Formations:

A total of 40 aircraft including 11 transport and seven helicopters will participate in the fly-past. The parade will begin with the Flag Formation. It will feature four Mi-17 helicopters, with one chopper carrying the national flag, while the other three will be carrying flags of three defence service wings, reported The Financial Express.

Other formations will include:

- Five Jaguar aircraft in Amrit Formation

- Three MiG-29s in the Katar Formation

- Six Rafale jets in Vajrang Formation

- Three Sukhoi-30s in Trishul Formation

Meanwhile, two Sukhois will be accompanied by a reconnaissance aircraft. Netra.

This year, two C-295 transport aircraft built under the Make in India initiative will also reportedly participate in the Republic Day celebrations 2025. As per the Financial Express report, these C-295 aircraft along with three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard will be part of the Rakshak Formation. Additional Dornier aircraft and an AN-32 will be part of Sutlej Formation. The C-17 Globemaster, India’s largest military transport aircraft will also showcase its capabilities during the Republic Day fly-past.

HAL's Dhruv Chopper and LCA Tejas Not To Be Part Of The Republic Day Celebrations:

This year, HAL Dhruv and LCA Tejas will not participate in the fly-past. As per the Financial Express's report, Tejas jets are excluded from the celebrations due to their single-engine configurations, while the ALH Dhruv helicopter, which has been grounded for safety reasons.

Air Force Marching Contingent:

The IAF's marching Conti gent will have four officers and 144 participants, reported India Today. Agniveers will also be part of the Air Force musical band.

Published on: Friday, January 24, 2025, 11:58 AM IST