Watch: Videos show glimpses from Republic Day Parade flypast — seen from IAF's perspective

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force flypast stole the spotlight at the 77th Republic Day parade, captivating spectators from start to finish. The aerial segment began with a ceremonial flower shower and continued through a series of meticulously coordinated formations showcasing the IAF’s speed, precision and combat readiness.

A total of 29 aircraft participated in this year’s Republic Day flypast, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. The platforms operated out of five different bases, reflecting the scale of planning and coordination involved in executing the aerial display.

Following the event, the Indian Air Force shared the IAF perspective videos from the air show and flypast.

Four Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit will conduct the ceremonial showering of flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation. Led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, the formation will troop the National Flag as part of the Republic Day aerial segment.

The Indian military’s Operation Sindoor remained the centre of attraction throughout the parade. The helicopters in the formation also carried the Operation Sindoor flag as they flew over Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital.

A perspective formation video shared by the Indian Air Force shows AH-64E Apache attack helicopters flying over Kartavya Path, offering a striking aerial view of India Gate as they pass overhead.

The iconic Sindoor formation, comprising two Rafale, two MiG-29, two Su-30 and one Jaguar aircraft flying in a ‘Spearhead’ pattern, paid tribute to the Indian Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor. The dramatic flypast referenced the four-day confrontation in early May that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Spectators and dignitaries watched as the mixed combat fleet showcased both the diversity and the modern combat readiness of India’s air power.

The Sutlej formation, consisting of two Dornier aircraft and one An-32 transport aircraft, flew in tight coordination over the ceremonial boulevard.




The Varuna formation showcased a unique tri-service display of air power, featuring one P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft from the Indian Navy at the lead, followed by two Su-30 MKI fighters of the Indian Air Force in a tight echelon ‘Vic’ configuration.

The IAF perspective highlighted not only the precision flying and aerial discipline of IAF fighter pilots, but also the growing level of jointness and operational synergy between the Navy and the Air Force.



The Indian Air Force also released striking footage of the ‘Vaajrang’ (also known as ‘Bajrang’) formation, featuring six Rafale fighter jets slicing through the skies above the Kartavya Path.

Captured from both ground and cockpit perspectives, the visuals highlighted the Rafale’s agility, precision manoeuvrability, and sheer aerodynamic presence. The tight formation drew attention not just for its symmetry, but also for the symbolic display of strength and technological prowess, making it one of the standout moments of the flypast.




The aerial perspective also captures the pride and professionalism of IAF pilots, showcasing how they manoeuvre high-performance combat jets with remarkable precision, discipline, and grace.

From tight turns to flawless alignments, the footage underscores not just the aircraft’s capabilities, but the skill and confidence of the officers at the controls.
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