IAF to lead Republic Day 2026 parade; ‘Sindoor’ flypast to showcase air power and Operation Sindoor legacy
New Delhi, January 22. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will take the lead among the three armed services during the Republic Day parade in 2026, underscoring its operational prowess and ceremonial prominence, senior officers said on January 22.
Briefing the media in New Delhi, Air Commodore Imran Zaidi from the Directorate of Ceremonies said the IAF’s homage ceremony during the parade will be commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Kanyar. The IAF marching contingent will consist of four officers and 144 air warriors, reflecting discipline and precision that define the force.
Adding to the ceremonial spectacle, a 75-member IAF band will perform during the parade. For the first time, the band will include 66 Agniveers, with nine women Agniveers participating, marking a significant milestone in gender representation. Air Commodore Zaidi also noted that 121 Air Force musicians will take part in the Beating the Retreat ceremony scheduled for January 29.
Detailing the veterans’ tableau, Group Captain Dharmendra Singh said it will be a two-tier presentation built around the theme “Sangram se Rashtranirman tak” (From Struggle to Nation-Building). The tableau will highlight the armed forces’ selfless contribution not only to national security but also to nation-building over the decades.
The aerial display is set to be one of the major highlights of the celebrations. Wing Commander Rajesh Deshwal said the flypast will feature multiple formations, including one inspired by the success of Operation Sindoor, with seven fighter aircraft flying in a symbolic display of combat readiness and coordination.
Director of Music of the Air Force, LS Rupachandra, said this year’s band performance is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the theme of women empowerment, blending patriotic fervour with youthful energy.
A standout feature of the flypast will be the ‘Sindoor’ formation, comprising Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter jets. The formation will serve as a powerful reminder of the air dominance established by India during the four-day hostilities with Pakistan in May last year under Operation Sindoor.
In all, 29 aircraft will participate in the flypast, including 16 fighter aircraft, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. The aerial display will feature formations such as Sindoor, Dhwaj, Prahar, Garud, Arjan, Varuna and Vajrang. The flypast will also carry the flag of Operation Sindoor, commemorating India’s high-precision tri-services military campaign conducted between May 7 and May 10.
Officials said the Sindoor formation will include two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s and one Jaguar aircraft – each of which played an active role in Operation Sindoor – making the flypast both a tribute to operational success and a display of the IAF’s combat capabilities.
