Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Jaguar jets to feature in Republic Day 2026 'Sindoor' formation during flypast
New Delhi, January 22
The Indian Air Force will showcase the "Sindoor" formation during the flypast at the Republic Day parade 2026, with fighter aircraft that participated in Operation Sindoor taking to the skies in a symbolic display of air power.
The formation will comprise two Rafale jets, two Su-30 aircraft, two MiG-29 fighters and one Jaguar fighter jet, officials said.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a conflict from May 7 to 10. During the Operation, Indian claimed to have killed over 100 terrorists in just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs.
Most of those eliminated belonged to terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Defence Ministry stated that the operation inflicted maximum damage on terrorist infrastructure while ensuring minimum harm to the civilian population.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police will deploy AI-enabled smart glasses and advanced facial recognition systems as part of an upgraded security architecture aimed at tightening surveillance and improving threat detection across the national capital. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahala said the force is making full use of technology-driven solutions from a security perspective.
He noted that all CCTV cameras will be equipped with video analytics and Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), enabling police to identify suspects with greater accuracy. "There are various types of video analytics, and we will utilise them as well. This time, we are also using specially developed cameras and wearable glasses," Mahala said.
As per Mahala, this will be the first time that Delhi Police personnel will use such advanced wearable technology during the Republic Day parade. Selected police personnel will wear the smart glasses while on duty along the parade route to monitor crowds and identify potential threats.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the show of strength, I hope the focus remains on the lives lost in Pahalgam. The formation is symbolic, but we must not forget the human cost of terror. My prayers are with the victims' families.
The tech upgrade for security is impressive! AI glasses and FRS? Delhi Police is finally getting 21st-century tools. This should become standard for all major events. Safety first!
Rafale proving its worth again! 100 terrorists in 23 minutes shows the precision of our modern arsenal. Worth every rupee spent. Can't wait to see the flypast!
The advanced surveillance is a double-edged sword. Necessary for security, yes, but I hope there are strong data privacy laws governing how this facial recognition data is used and stored. We must balance safety with civil liberties.
MiG-29 and Jaguar alongside Rafale and Su-30! Shows the diversity and strength of our IAF fleet. Each aircraft has its role. A fitting salute to a successful operation.
The article mentions 'minimum harm to civilians'. This is crucial. Our forces have shown remarkable restraint and precision in difficult conditions. That's the real mark
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