New Delhi: Two newly inducted Rafale fighter jets will debut in this year’s Republic Day parade. The aircraft will participate in two blocks – first along with parade while second would be after the parade.
The Rafales will fly in “Eklavya” formation and “Brahmastra” formation. In the Eklavya formation, it will be flanked with two Jaguars and two MiG-29s.
In 2016, India signed government-to-government deal with French government for purchase of 36 readymade Rafale fighter jets worth ₹59,000 crore. Out of which, eight have been delivered so far and deployed at Ambala airbase in Haryana.
Next batch of three aircraft is expected to arrive at the end of this month.
Addressing a news conference in New Delhi, The IAF’s public relations officer, Wing Commander Indranil Nandi, said there will be 42 aircraft participating this year’s Republic Day. Out of the 42, 15 would be fighter jets, 5 transport aircraft, 17 helicopters and four Army Aviation Corps helicopters.
The parade will culminate with the Rafale fighters flying in the “Victor Charlie” formation.
The IAF tableaux will display the model of LCA Tejas, Sukhoi-30MKI, HAL’s light combat helicopter, Rohini radar, and Akash missile system.
In order to commemorate the 50th year of Indian victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, a Bangladesh army delegation will also be marching down the Rajpath as a special invitee.
The IAF’s vintage Dakota aircraft, flanked with two Mi-17 1V helicopters will be flying past in “Rudra” formation at the time when the Bangladesh contingent will be marching past the President Ram Nath Kovind’s dais.
The marching contingent will be comprised of four IAF officers and 96 airmen.
