The Indian Air Force (IAF) led the grand finale of the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path on Monday with a spectacular aerial fly-past, underscoring India’s air power.
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.
As part of the fly-past, multiple aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, Apache helicopters and the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft, flew in coordinated formations over Kartavya Path. The fly-past featured 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.
Sindoor Formation
Two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s, and one Jaguar aircraft were part of a ‘spearhead’ formation, which symbolised the ‘Sindoor formation’. It was dedicated to the Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor, which was launched in May last year to eliminate terrorists following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Formation (4/8) pic.twitter.com/hqtM7fZLD0
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2026
Notably, the Rafale fighter jet with tail number BS-022 was also seen in the Republic Day video released by the IAF. The Pakistan Air Force had falsely claimed the same aircraft to have been shot down during the four-day military stand-off following Operation Sindoor.
Varuna Formation
The Varuna formation comprised one P-8i aircraft and two Su-30 aircraft, flying in ‘Vic’ formation.
#WATCH | Delhi: The Indian Air Force presents fly-past during the 77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 Parade on Kartavya Path
Visuals of the Varuna formation comprising one P-8i aircraft and two Su-30 aircraft in echelon flying in ‘Vic’ formation
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/6fP2Zxg1H8
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
Arjan Formation
The Arjan formation saw one C-130 aircraft in the lead with two C-295 aircraft in echelon in ‘Vic’ formation. In the Vic formation, the aircraft create a single V-shape, and all planes fly at the same altitude.
#WATCH | Delhi: The Indian Air Force presents fly-past during the 77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 Parade on Kartavya Path
(Visuals of Arjan Formation comprising one C-130 ac in lead with two C-295 ac in echelon in ‘Vic’ Formation.)
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/X2QGTfLriC
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
Vajraang Formation
Six Rafale aircraft formed the Vajraang formation, a high-precision display highlighting the Air Force’s strategic and operational capabilities.
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals of the Vajraang formation. The formation consists of 06 Rafale aircraft flying in ‘Vajraang’ Formation.
77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/554oC0KQIv
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
Vijay Formation
The Vijay formation drew special attention as a Rafale aircraft flew at a speed of 900 kmph at an altitude of 300 metres above ground level over the water channel north of Rajpath, before executing a Vertical Charlie manoeuvre.
77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 | Delhi: Visuals of the Vijay formation. The formation consists of a Rafale aircraft flying at 900 kmph, maintaining 300m AOL over the water channel North of Rajpath. The aircraft then climbs for a vertical Charlie manoeuvre.
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/301kL0AkUb
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
During ‘Vertical Charlie’, the aircraft flew low and fast, then pulled up into a vertical climb, and performed multiple rolls showcasing its incredible thrust, power and the pilot’s skills.
India’s 77th Republic Day
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026. India showcased its development journey, cultural diversity and military strength at the spectacular parade at Kartavya Path.
As President Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremony, distinguished international dignitaries, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, were in attendance as chief guests.
This year’s parade honoured the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, celebrating the enduring legacy of the national song that became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle. Kartavya Path was adorned with artistic interpretations of its stanzas, evoking both cultural pride and historical memory as thousands gathered to witness the ceremony.
The parade began at 10.30 am and concluded after noon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial before proceeding to the saluting dais to join other dignitaries.
