IAF's Sindoor Formation & Navy's JAI Theme Steal Show at Republic Day Parade

The Indian Air Force captivated spectators with a special 'Sindoor' formation flypast, comprising Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar aircraft, dedicated to its role in a recent operation. The Indian Navy's tableau, themed 'Anchored in Tradition, Sailing into Self-Reliance and Innovation', prominently featured the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the circumnavigating vessel INSV Tarini. The parade marked a debut with Agniveer women musicians performing in the IAF band and marching contingents displaying precision and discipline. The overall display underscored the military's focus on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation under the 'JAI' mantra.

Key Points: Republic Day 2026: IAF Sindoor Flypast, Navy Showcases JAI Theme

  • IAF's Sindoor formation honors Op Sindoor
  • Navy showcases INS Vikrant & INSV Tarini
  • Agniveer women musicians debut in IAF band
  • Theme highlights Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation
  • Parade displays military evolution & cultural heritage
2 min read

Sindoor formation flypast, JAI: 77th Republic Day parade showcases continued evolution of India's military capabilities

Indian Air Force's special Sindoor formation flypast and Navy's 'JAI' themed tableau on self-reliance highlight 77th Republic Day military parade in New Delhi.

"Anchored in Tradition, Sailing into Self-Reliance and Innovation - Indian Navy tableau theme"

New Delhi, January 26

The Indian Navy and Air Force stole the show at the 77th Republic Day parade, showcasing the country's military prowess and cultural heritage.

The Indian Air Force showcased a special Sindoor formation during the 2026 Republic Day flypast, comprising 2 Rafale, 2 MiG-29, 02 Su-30 and 01 Jaguar in 'Spearhead' formation, dedicated to the IAF's role in Operation Sindoor, the four-day confrontation in early May following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

A 72-member ensemble, notably including Agniveer women musicians, performed the tune "Sound Barrier." The Air Force marching contingent, led by Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar, marched in a 12x12 formation.

The IAF band consisted of 72 musicians, which included 57 Agniveer men and nine Women Agniveer (being introduced for the first time) and three drum majors led by Sergeant Charles Anthony Daniel. The band played the tune 'Sound Barrier' as it crossed the Presidential dais.

The IAF marching contingent comprised four officers (One Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 Airmen. The Contingent Commander was led by Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar with Sqn Ldr Nikita Choudhery, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh as supernumerary officers.

The Air Force Contingent marches abreast in a 12 by 12 formation to the tunes played by the IAF band.

The Naval tableau highlighted India's maritime heritage and self-reliance, featuring INSV Tarini and INS Vikrant.

144 personnel, led by Lt Karan Nagyal, showcased the Navy's strength and discipline. The Indian Navy band was led by Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), First Class, M Antony Raj, playing the Indian Navy Song 'Jai Bharati'.

The Indian Navy tableau was themed 'Anchored in Tradition, Sailing into Self- Reliance and Innovation'. Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K commanded the tableau, who circumnavigated the world aboard INSV Tarini and displayed atop the globe in the forward part of the tableau.

While the ancient frigate INSV Kaundinya and the Maratha Navy ship 'Ghurab' recalled India's early shipbuilding prowess, modern indigenous warships and air platforms, led by the mighty aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, symbolise military self-reliance and maritime capability.

These indigenous warships, while demonstrating India's advancements in technological capability and manufacturing, reflect the Indian Navy's march towards 'JAI' - Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Victory through Innovation. Marching alongside the tableau were young cadets of the Sea Cadet Corps who represented the Indian Navy's efforts of inculcating Maritime consciousness amongst the youth, the future of India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see Women Agniveers performing for the first time! Sqn Ldr Nikita Choudhery and Lt Cdr Roopa A leading contingents... this is the real progress. Our daughters are securing the skies and sailing the seas. More power to them!
V
Vikram M
The naval tableau was brilliant. From the ancient Ghurab to the mighty INS Vikrant – it beautifully connected our glorious maritime past with an innovative future. 'JAI' – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation – is a powerful vision. The Sea Cadets marching gave me hope for the future.
R
Rohit P
While the display is impressive, I hope the focus on 'Aatmanirbharta' translates into faster procurement and reduced dependency for critical spare parts. The parade shows capability, but real strength is in sustainable logistics and indigenous supply chains. A respectful critique from a well-wisher.
S
Sarah B
Watching from overseas, the precision and discipline were breathtaking. The 'Sound Barrier' performance by the Agniveers, and the blend of tradition with modern tech like INS Vikrant... it tells a story of a confident, rising India. Well done to all personnel!
K
Karthik V
Operation Sindoor was a firm message that attacks on our soil will not be tolerated. Naming the flypast formation after it is fitting. Salute to the IAF! The parade is not just a show, it's a statement of our resolve. Bharat mata ki jai!

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