As India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, the sky above the duty path became a field of enthusiastic activity as 54 aircraft, including three from the French Air and Space Force, did the flypast giving a grand salute. Grand ceremony. Spectators were left awestruck by the spectacular air show as the grand finale of the ‘Platinum Republic Day’ celebrations.

The pilots started with the ‘Prachanda’ formation, with two Apache helicopters accompanied by one LCH and two ALH Mk-IV five aircraft flying in the ‘Arrow formation’. Next came the ‘Tangel’ formation, with a Dakota in the lead and two Dornier aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation.

The ‘Varun’ formation consisted of one P-8I aircraft and two X-Su-30 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation. A C-17 aircraft with two Su-30 AC echelon (streaming fuel) flying in ‘Vic’ formation displayed ‘Bhim’ formation.

After the display, four X-Tejas aircraft took off in ‘diamond’ formation.

This was followed by the Amrit formation of six Jaguar aircraft flying over the water channel north of Kartavya Path in ‘arrow-head’ formation.

The ‘Vajrang’ formation included six Rafale aircraft flying in ‘Marut’ formation.

Spectators were thrilled in the final phase of the flypast when three Su-30 Mk-I aircraft in ‘Trishul’ formation accompanied by the IAF marching contingent flew at a speed of 900 kmph over a water channel north of Kartavya Path. Approaching the stage, the formation was pulled out for the Trident manoeuvre.

The next was, a Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900 kmph behind the Trishul structure over the northern water channel. Approaching the stage, the aircraft stopped for a vertical charley and made several revolutions.

Earlier, two Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) were flying in a triangular formation along with the French band and marching contingent.

Both Rafales come from 104 “Al Dhafra” airport located in the United Arab Emirates.

Their unit’s origins date back to the First and Second World Wars, and was the first unit to receive the Rafale in early 2006 as a replacement for the Jaguar. Rafale was followed by the ‘Phoenix’ MRTT, which was capable of refueling two fighter aircraft or one surveillance aircraft simultaneously. It carries up to 110 tonnes of fuel.

(with agency input)