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Republic Day Fly-Past: Rafale, C-295, 40 Aircraft to Showcase India’s Aerial Might

The Indian Air Force’s 2025 Republic Day fly-past will feature 40 aircraft, including 22 fighter jets and the debut of C-295 transport aircraft. This stunning aerial display demonstrates the IAF's advanced capabilities, with a focus on precision flying and new additions to the fleet.

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Republic Day Fly-Past: Rafale, C-295, 40 Aircraft to Showcase India’s Aerial Might

The Indian Air Force is going to put up an aerial show of this year’s Republic Day, with 40 aircraft participating in a grand fly-past over Delhi. This impressive formation includes 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft, and seven helicopters, all performing in 12 intricate formations.

The display will show the advanced capabilities of the IAF and emphasize the precision and power of the Air Force.

A Spectacular Beginning of Republic Day

The Fly-past on Republic Day starts with the Flag Formation. 4 Mi-17 helicopters will fly carrying the Indian national flag along with the flags of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is more of a symbolic opening in which respect is paid to the armed forces before the extravaganza of aerial display that follows.

The Fighter Jets: Power And Precision In The Sky

The fly-past of India’s most advanced fighter jets would be some of the most eagerly awaited parts. Among them are the fighter formations of:

 

  • Katar Formation: Three MiG-29s would fly in an extremely tight formation, showcasing the agility of the fighter.
  • Amrit Formation: Five Jaguar aircraft would demonstrate precision in their synchronized flying.
  • Vajrang Formation: Six Rafale jets, including India’s newest combat aircraft, would bring an impressive display.
  • Trishul Formation: Three Sukhoi-30s will soar in the skies, and one will get a glimpse of its agility.
  • Netra Formation: Two Sukhois will form along with Netra, India’s advanced surveillance aircraft, to form a great power show.

 

The above formations, besides being reflective of IAF precision flying, emphasize the advanced technology and combat-readiness of its fleet, which includes Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets.

New Additions: C-295 and Dornier Aircraft in Focus

Two C-295 transport aircraft will be included in the fly-past for the first time. This is part of India’s Make in India initiative. Along with these, 3 Dornier aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard will perform in the Rakshak Formation.

The C-17 Globemaster, India’s largest military transport aircraft, will also participate in the aerial display, underlining the IAF’s strategic airlift capabilities.

The Grand Finale: Rafale and Vertical-Charlie Maneuver

The fly-past will end with the Vijay Formation and an awe-inspiring Vertical-Charlie maneuver by the Rafale fighter jets. This spectacular aerial stunt will highlight the acrobatics and precision flying for which the IAF is renowned.

Marching with Pride: Air Warriors and Musicians

As part of the celebrations, 144 air warriors will march in the Republic Day parade, led by Squadron Leader Mahendra Singh. This year, Flight Lieutenant Damini Deshmukh, Flight Lieutenant Nepo Moiranthem, and Flying Officer Abhinav Ghosh will serve as supernumerary officers. A band of 72 Air Force musicians will accompany the march, playing the iconic Sound Barrier tune.

Absences from the Fly-Past: LCA Tejas and ALH Dhruv

While the display promises to be spectacular, some aircraft will not fly and will be grounded. The indigenous LCA Tejas has been kept out of the fly-past as it has a single engine. The ALH Dhruv helicopter, which met with a crash recently in Porbandar, will also stay grounded. It will fly only after the crash is probed into thoroughly.

This year, as expected, Republic Day will bring forth a spectacular fly-past into memory, emphasizing that the Indian Air Force stands ever-ready to keep a vigilant watch on India’s skies while ensuring that all regions remain free of wars and security breaches. Moreover, with a mix of new additions and impressive formations executed with precision, this display is bound to linger long in everyone’s minds.