- ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’ Comes Alive as IAF Leads Republic Day 2026
- eremonial Grandeur: 144 Air Warriors, Heroic Tunes and First-Ever Women Agniveervayu in IAF Band
- Veterans’ Tableau Traces Journey ‘From Battle to Nation Building’
- 29-Aircraft Flypast with Rafales, Su-30s & ‘Operation Sindoor’ Formation to Headline Skies
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 22
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday unveiled a powerful preview of its combat readiness, ceremonial excellence and adventurous spirit during the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026 Press Preview, offering the nation a glimpse of the aerial might and legacy that will dominate Kartavya Path on January 26.
Addressing the media, the IAF underlined that the Republic Day Parade is a living symbol of India’s unity, military strength and technological advancement. In keeping with its motto “Touch the Sky with Glory,” every participating element reflects the IAF’s unwavering resolve to protect India’s skies while contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
This year, the Indian Air Force assumes the role of Lead Service for all ceremonial events of the Republic Day celebrations. The majestic Ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the formal commencement of the parade—where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay homage to the fallen heroes—will be commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Katyal.
Precision on Parade: Marching Contingent & Musical Might
The press briefing opened with the introduction of the IAF’s marching contingent—an elegant blend of tradition, discipline and modern military ethos. The contingent comprises 144 young Air Warriors, selected from across the service for their exemplary bearing and commitment. After weeks of rigorous drill and training, they are set to march in honour of the IAF’s storied legacy of courage and glory.
The contingent will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh serving as Supernumerary Officers.
Marching in perfect harmony alongside them will be the IAF Band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel. The 72-member ensemble includes 57 Agniveervayu and, for the first time, nine Agniveervayu women, along with three Drum Majors. As the band passes the Presidential dais, it will strike the powerful modern composition “Sound Barrier,” symbolising the dynamism and evolving character of the Indian Air Force.
Veterans’ Tableau: From the Battlefield to Nation Building
One of the most evocative moments of the briefing was the unveiling of the theme of the IAF Veterans’ Tableau — “Sangram se Rashtra Nirman Tak” (From Battle to Nation Building).
The front section of the tableau pays tribute to supreme sacrifice with the Amar Jawan Jyoti, flanked by striking 3D models of iconic war machines and platforms: T-55 and Vijayant tanks; Hunter, MiG-21, Mirage and Jaguar aircraft; INS Mysore and INS Rajput, along with visual references to the 1965 and 1971 wars and the 1999 Kargil Operation Vijay.
The rear portion powerfully showcases how veterans continue to serve the nation beyond the battlefield—through flood relief operations, medical services, education initiatives and contributions to ‘Make in India’, reinforcing their enduring role in national development.
Skies of Fire: 29 Aircraft, One Message of Power
The briefing culminated with details of the much-anticipated Republic Day 2026 Flypast, set to feature 29 aircraft—including 16 fighters, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters, operating from six different bases and flying in eight spectacular formations.
The flypast will open with the iconic Dhwaj Formation, where four Mi-17 IV helicopters will carry the National Flag alongside the flags of the three Armed Services. The aerial display will then unfold with frontline fighters such as the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar, backed by strategic and tactical assets like the C-130, C-295 and the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft.
Showcasing true jointmanship, attack and utility helicopters—including the IAF’s ALH Mk IV, the Indian Army’s ALH WSI, Apache and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)—will roar across the skies.
A defining highlight will be the “Operation Sindoor” formation, symbolising precision, dominance and lethal accuracy—perfectly echoing the IAF’s theme: “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Unerring, Invincible and Precise).
A Force Ready for Today and Tomorrow
The Republic Day 2026 Press Preview reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s stature as a combat-ready, technologically advanced and cohesive fighting force, deeply rooted in tradition yet soaring confidently into the future—ever ready to defend the nation and inspire its people.
