IAF set to mark 88th anniversary with grand flypast: 5 highlights

The Rafale will be flying in two different formations during the flypast. They will first fly with Jaguars and Mirage 2000 in the Arrowhead formation, followed by another formation involving the Sukhoi-30 and the Tejas light combat aircraft

HINDON AIRBASE – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to commemorate its 88th anniversary this Thursday with a spectacular ceremonial parade and an expanded fly-past at the Hindon airbase. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and heightened border tensions with China in the Ladakh sector, the IAF Day parade this year will surpass previous scales, showcasing a formidable display of air power.

Rafale Debuts and Enhanced Formations Headline Fly-past

A key highlight of this year's aerial demonstration will be the inaugural appearance of the Rafale fighter jets in the IAF Day fly-past. This marks only their second public showing since their formal induction at the Ambala airbase on September 10. The Rafales are slated to participate in two distinct formations, underscoring their integral role in the IAF's modern fleet. They will first be seen in the Arrowhead Formation alongside Jaguars and Mirage 2000s, followed by another impressive display with the Sukhoi-30 and the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft.

The sheer scale of the fly-past has also seen a significant increase. This year, 56 aircraft will take to the skies, a notable jump from the 51 aircraft featured in last year's parade. The number of aircraft in various formations has also been boosted, with some formations now comprising five aircraft instead of three. The complete lineup for the parade includes:

1. 19 Fighter Jets: This formidable contingent includes the Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, MiG-21 Bison, and Tejas. Notably, the Rafales, Su-30s, and MiG-29s are currently deployed in the Ladakh theatre, standing ready to counter any provocations from the Chinese military.
2. 7 Transport Planes: Heavy lifters like the C-17 and C-130 special operations aircraft, both extensively utilized for troop and equipment transport in Ladakh, will be prominently featured.
3. 19 Helicopters: The flypast will include the versatile Chinook multi-mission choppers, the formidable Apache attack helicopters, and the Mi-35 gunships.
4. 2 Vintage Aircraft
5. 9 Planes from the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team

This enhanced display of air power serves not only as a celebration of the IAF's rich history but also as a powerful demonstration of its operational readiness and strategic capabilities amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities.