On January 26, 2026, India will commemorate its 77th Republic Day with an awe-inspiring display of military power. The parade will feature marching contingents from all three military branches, missiles, and indigenous weapon systems. This year, the European Council President Antonio Costa and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will grace the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. The Indian Air Force is taking the lead in organizing all formal programs linked to this year's Republic Day festivities. The Air Force's marching contingent will include 144 young air warriors, distinguished for their excellent military discipline. Squadron Leader Jagdish Kumar will lead the unit, with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh joining as supernumerary officers.
This Republic Day, the Indian Air Force's flypast will highlight the ‘Operation Sindoor’ special formation. This will include participation from Rafale, Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter jets. This formation symbolizes the formidable might of the Indian Air Force during the four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May of the previous year. Officials revealed on Thursday that the flypast will involve a total of 29 aircraft, which includes 16 fighter jets, 9 helicopters, and 4 transporters, operating from six different airbases. Spectators can expect to witness various formations such as Operation Sindoor, Dhwaj, Prahar, Garud, Arjan, Varun, and Vajrang as part of the flypast.
The occasion will also feature the Operation Sindoor flag, commemorating India’s joint military campaign involving all three forces against Pakistan from May 7 to 10. The 'Operation Sindoor' formation will comprise two Rafales, two MiG-29s, two Sukhoi-30s, and one Jaguar, all of which played pivotal roles in the operation. Additional aircraft like the C-130 and C-295 transporters, the Indian Navy's P-8I, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-IV, Weapon System Integration version ALH of the Indian Army, Apache, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are also scheduled for inclusion in the flypast.
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The Sindoor Formation Flypast
Officials reported that a special and extensive formation dedicated to Operation Sindoor will also be unveiled during the flypast. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and other areas with airstrikes. The ensuing four days saw intense skirmishes, concluding with a ceasefire agreement on the evening of May 10 following Pakistan's military DGMOs’ appeal to their Indian counterparts via a hotline.
The Air Force band, conducted by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel, will accompany the marching contingent. The band will comprise 72 selected musicians, including 57 Agniveerayu and nine women Agniveerayu, the latter participating for the first time. As they pass before the Presidential platform, the band will perform the 'Sound Barrier' tune. Another major attraction of this year’s parade is an ex-servicemen tableau themed 'From War to Nation Building.' At the fore will be the Amar Jawan Jyoti and 3D models of historic warfare equipment like the T-55 and Vijayanta tanks, MiG-21, Mirage, and Jaguar aircraft, INS Mysuru, and INS Rajput.
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This time, 30 floats will parade down the Kartavya Path
These floats will also depict the wars of 1965, 1971, and the Kargil War of 1999. The tableau's rear segment will illustrate the role of ex-servicemen in nation-building, highlighting contributions in flood relief, medical services, education, and the 'Make in India' initiative. According to the Ministry of Defence, January 26, 2026, will witness a display of 30 floats along Kartavya Path, featuring entries from 17 states/union territories and 13 ministries/departments/services. Under the themes 'Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram' and 'Mantra of Prosperity: Atmanirbhar Bharat,' the floats will showcase 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and the country's rich cultural diversity.
