IAF Showcases Combat Power, Veterans’ Role and 29-Aircraft Flypast at Republic Day 2026 Press Preview
Supporting the contingent will be the IAF Band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel.
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Thursday offered a comprehensive preview of its participation in the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026, outlining the scale of its marching contingent, the theme of its veterans’ tableau and a major aerial flypast featuring frontline combat and transport aircraft.
At the press briefing held ahead of the national celebrations at Kartavya Path, the IAF said the Republic Day Parade remains a powerful symbol of national unity, military strength and technological advancement. In line with its motto Touch the Sky with Glory, all participating elements will reflect the force’s role in safeguarding Indian airspace while contributing to nation-building.
Lead Role in Republic Day Ceremonies
This year, the Indian Air Force is the lead service for all ceremonial events related to the Republic Day celebrations. The ceremonial Guard of Honour marking the commencement of the parade—during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay homage to fallen heroes—will be commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Katyal.
Marching Contingent and Band
The IAF marching contingent will comprise 144 air warriors drawn from across the service, selected for their military bearing and discipline. The contingent, representing a blend of tradition and modernity, has undergone weeks of intensive training and will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar. Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh will serve as supernumerary officers.
Supporting the contingent will be the IAF Band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel. The band includes 72 musicians—among them 57 Agniveervayu personnel and nine Agniveervayu women, who will participate for the first time—along with three drum majors. As the band passes the presidential dais, it will perform Sound Barrier, a modern composition reflecting the evolving character of the force.
Veterans’ Tableau Theme
A key highlight of the briefing was the unveiling of the veterans’ tableau theme, Sangram se Rashtra Nirman Tak (From Battle to Nation Building). The front section of the tableau will feature the Amar Jawan Jyoti and three-dimensional models of historic war platforms, including T-55 and Vijayant tanks, Hunter, MiG-21, Mirage and Jaguar aircraft, INS Mysore and INS Rajput, alongside depictions from the 1965 and 1971 wars and the 1999 Kargil conflict.
The rear section will highlight the continuing contribution of veterans to national development, showcasing their voluntary work in disaster relief, healthcare, education and initiatives aligned with the Make in India programme.
29-Aircraft Flypast
The Republic Day flypast will involve 29 aircraft—16 fighters, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters—operating from six different air bases. Organised into eight formations, the flypast will begin with the Dhwaj formation, in which four Mi-17 V5 helicopters will carry the national flag along with the flags of the three services.
The aerial display will feature frontline platforms including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, supported by transport assets such as the C-130 and C-295, and the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. Rotary-wing assets will include the IAF’s ALH Mk IV, the Indian Army’s ALH WSI, Apache attack helicopters and the Light Combat Helicopter, underlining joint operational capability.
A key formation, titled Operation Sindoor, will demonstrate precision air power in line with the IAF’s operational theme, Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek.
The press preview highlighted the Indian Air Force’s readiness, operational integration and ceremonial role as a core pillar of India’s national defence architecture.
