Ever Wondered What IAF Pilots See During the Republic Day Flypast? Watch This

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force flypast emerged as one of the standout moments of the 77th Republic Day parade, holding the audience spellbound from the very first manoeuvre. The aerial spectacle opened with a ceremonial shower of flower petals and unfolded into a sequence of tightly coordinated formations, underlining the IAF’s speed, precision and formidable combat readiness.This year’s flypast featured 29 aircraft, comprising 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. Operating from five different air bases, the display highlighted the sheer scale of planning, coordination and operational excellence behind the seamless execution of the air show.Also Read | Explained: Why the Extreme Right Row at the Republic Day Parade

Does Not Turn to Salute the PresidentFollowing the event, the Indian Air Force released perspective videos offering a pilot’s-eye view of the air show and flypast. As part of the ceremonial opening, four Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit carried out the showering of flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation. Led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, the formation proudly trooped the National Flag during the Republic Day aerial segment.

Glimpses from Republic Day Parade 2026 flypast- #IAF perspective!#IndianAirForce #RepublicDayFlypast#RepublicDay2026@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi @indiannavyFormation (1/8) pic.twitter.com/jjZbKQSf6C

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

Operation Sindoor by the Indian military remained a focal point of the Republic Day parade. As the formation passed over Kartavya Path, the ceremonial heart of the national capital, the helicopters prominently carried the Operation Sindoor flag, drawing widespread attention and underscoring the operation’s significance.

Formation (2/8) pic.twitter.com/EbajUurNg9

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

A perspective formation video released by the Indian Air Force captures AH-64E Apache attack helicopters soaring over Kartavya Path, providing a dramatic aerial view of India Gate as they fly past the iconic monument.

Formation (3/8) pic.twitter.com/JBMYsqOMmr

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

The iconic Sindoor formation—featuring two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s and a Jaguar aircraft flying in a distinctive spearhead pattern—paid tribute to the Indian Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor. The powerful flypast alluded to the four-day confrontation in early May that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.Spectators and dignitaries looked on as the mixed combat fleet took to the skies, highlighting both the diversity and the cutting-edge combat readiness of India’s air power.

Formation (4/8) pic.twitter.com/hqtM7fZLD0

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

The Sutlej formation, comprising two Dornier aircraft and an An-32 transport aircraft, flew in precise, close coordination over the ceremonial boulevard.

Formation (5/8) pic.twitter.com/RZchEZD6he

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

The Varuna formation presented a rare tri-service display of air power, led by an Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, with two Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighters flying in a tight echelon ‘Vic’ formation behind it. From the IAF perspective, the sequence underscored not just the precision and aerial discipline of fighter pilots, but also the increasing jointness and operational synergy between the Navy and the Air Force.

Formation (6/8) pic.twitter.com/wH5xvFl7V1

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

The Indian Air Force also shared striking visuals of the ‘Vaajrang’, also referred to as the ‘Bajrang’, formation, with six Rafale fighter jets cutting through the skies above Kartavya Path. Captured from both ground and cockpit perspectives, the footage showcased the Rafale’s agility, precision manoeuvrability and commanding aerodynamic presence. The tightly held formation stood out not only for its symmetry, but also for its symbolic projection of strength and technological prowess, making it one of the most memorable moments of the flypast.

Formation (7/8) pic.twitter.com/RvCUSyWhfs

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026

The aerial perspective also reflects the pride and professionalism of IAF pilots, highlighting the remarkable precision, discipline and finesse with which they manoeuvre high-performance combat aircraft.From sharp turns to perfectly aligned formations, the footage highlights not only the aircraft’s capabilities but also the skill and confidence of the officers at the controls.