Last Updated: January 26, 2024, 14:23 IST
Six Rafale aircraft fly over Kartavya Path in ‘Marut’ formation during Republic Day celebrations. (Image: ANI)
The spectators were dazzled with the scintillating air show that served as the grand finale of the ‘Platinum Republic Day’ function
As India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, the sky above the Kartavya Path became a zone of fervent activity when 54 aircraft, including three from the French Air and Space Force, gave a fly past in a grand salute, during the grand ceremony. The spectators were dazzled with the scintillating air show that served as the grand finale of the ‘Platinum Republic Day’ function.
The pilots began with the ‘Prachand’ formation comprising one LCH in lead with two Apache Helicopters and two ALH Mk-IV in echelon flying in five aircraft ‘Arrow formation.’ It was followed by the ‘Tangail’ formation comprising one Dakota in lead with two Dornier aircraft in the echelon flying in ‘Vic’ formation.
The ‘Varuna’ formation comprised one p-8i aircraft and two X Su-30 aircraft in echelon flying in ‘vic’ formation. A C-17 aircraft with two Su-30 ac in echelon (streaming fuel) flying past in ‘Vic’ formation displayed the ‘Bheem’ formation.
The performance was followed by four X Tejas aircraft flying past in a ‘Diamond’ formation.
Next was the Amrit formation of six Jaguar aircraft flying past over the water channel north of Kartvya Path in ‘Arrow-head’ formation.
The ‘Vajraang’ formation consisted of six Rafale aircraft flying in the ‘Marut’ formation.
The last leg of the flypast exhilarated viewers as three Su-30 Mk-I aircraft in ‘Trishul’ formation flew at 900 kmph over a water channel north of Kartavya Path along with the IAF Marching Contingent. Approaching the dais, the formation pulled up outwards for Trishul manoeuvre.
Next was, one Rafale aircraft flying at 900 kmph behind Trishul formation over the north water channel. Approaching the dais, the aircraft pulled up for Vertical Charlie and carried out multiple turns.
Earlier, the band and marching contingent of France was accompanied overhead by two Rafale fighter jets and one Airbus A330 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) flying in a triangle formation.
The two Rafale come from the 104 “Al Dhafra” air base, located in the UAE.
Their unit traces its origin back to World War I and II, and was the first unit to get the Rafale in early 2006, as a replacement for the Jaguar. The Rafale were followed by ‘Phoenix’ MRTT, capable of refuelling two fighters simultaneously or a single surveillance aircraft. It carries up to 110 ton of fuel.
(With agency inputs)
