New Delhi: The Indian Air force showcased the aerial battle formation of Operation Sindoor during the 77th Republic Day at Kartvya Path on Monday, marking
the first national celebration since the India military operation against terrorism carried out last year. The fly past took place as part of the Republic Day parade on 26 January and was watched by thousands of people seated along the ceremonial boulevard, as well as million more on television screens across the country. How the Sindoor formation was structured The highlight of the fly past was the Operation Sindoor formation. Seven frontline fighter jets flew in close formation, showing the country's air combat strength and readiness. The formation included two Rafale aircrafts, two Su-30 MKI jets, two MiG-29 fighters and one Jaguar aircraft. The aerial display was supported by helicopter formations, including the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra, which flew in the Prahar formation. These formation played a key role during Op Sindoor and highlighted India’s growing ability to shape the battlefield using indigenously developed systems in military operations. The flypast began with the Dhwaj formation, in where Mi-17 IV helicopters carried the National Flag along with the flags of the Army, Navy and Air Force, setting the tone for the aerial display. This year’s parade carried added meaning as it followed Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The operation involved coordinated action by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
