The Indian Air Force put on a spectacular air show including 40 planes and helicopters during the 76th Republic Day festivities in New Delhi.The IAF’s accuracy, synchronization, and operational depth were demonstrated by the event’s breathtaking formations, which comprised Dhwaj, Rakshak, Bheem, and Amrit.
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NEW DELHI: The 76th Republic Day festivities saw the Indian flying Force (IAF) steal the show on Sunday with an incredible flying display that mesmerized onlookers. As 40 planes and helicopters from ten different sites flew over Kartavya Path, precision at amazing speeds was on full show.
Twenty-two fighter jets, eleven transport planes, and seven helicopters—including Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228, An-32, Apache, and Mi-17 helicopters—were part of the aerial display. The audience was enthralled by a number of forms, including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul, and Vijay. The famous Vertical Charlie maneuver performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft was part of the grand finale.
Dhwaj Formation: An honorable beginning
The Dhwaj Formation was the first of the aerial formations, with four Mi-17 IV helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit flying the Army, Navy, and Air Force service flags along with the National Ensign. This formation was headed by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, while the flags of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were represented by Wing Commanders Shailendra Kumar Singh, Rohit Tiwari, and Vinay, respectively. The presentation was made more endearing by the helicopters dropping petals on the onlookers below as they flew by.
During the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force does a fly-past. (Images show Arjan Formation, which consists of two C-295 aircraft in echelon flying in ‘Vic’ formation with a C-130 aircraft in the lead.)
Rakshak Formation: An impressive display of cooperation
Three Indian Coast Guard Dornier-228 aircraft flew in a smooth ‘Vic’ configuration to form the Rakshak configuration. Their deft maneuvers demonstrated the IAF’s preparedness and cooperation in cooperative operations.
During the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force does a fly-past. (Depictions of the Dhwaj Formation, which consists of four Mi-17 IV helicopters flying in ‘Vic’ formation overhead.)
Satluj Formation: A powerful emblem
The Satluj Formation, which consisted of two Dornier-228 aircraft and one An-32, is another illustration of the IAF’s adaptability and depth of operations.
During the 76th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force does a fly-past. (An-32 and two Dornier-228 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation are seen in the Satluj Formation.)
Bheem Formation: Strength and Accuracy
With two Su-30 fighter planes flowing fuel in a flawless ‘Vic’ configuration on either side of a C-17 aircraft, the Bheem configuration demonstrated unadulterated might.
During the 76th #RepublicDay Parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force does a fly-past. (Images show the Rakshak Formation, which consists of three Indian Coast Guard Dornier-228 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation.)
Amrit Formation: Honoring Tradition
The Amrit configuration, which featured five Jaguar aircraft flying in a ‘Arrow-head’ configuration over the water channel north of Kartavya Path, was an homage to India’s rich past. This demonstration highlighted the Air Force’s exceptional discipline and accuracy.
During the 76th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force does a fly-past. (Sights of the Bheem Formation, which consists of two Su-30 aircraft flying by in ‘Vic’ formation in echelon (streaming fuel) and one C-17 aircraft.)
