Republic Day flypast to feature 29 aircraft, new Sindoor fighter formation

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase a formation of frontline fighter jets with the call sign ‘Sindoor’ during the Republic Day flypast, symbolising India’s aerial dominance during Operation Sindoor, the high-precision tri-services military campaign conducted against Pakistan last May.

The spearhead formation will comprise two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30 MKIs and one Jaguar aircraft — all of which actively participated in the operation. The flypast will carry the flag of Operation Sindoor, commemorating India’s decisive military response from May 7 to May 10 following the Pahalgam terror attack.

A senior defence official said 29 aircraft, including fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters, will participate in the flypast. For the first time, the flypast will be conducted in two segments – the first during the march-past and the second after the parade.