Women Agniveers’ Debut To Op Sindoor Flypast: IAF Unveils Tableau, Marching Contingent For R-Day Parade 2026

Year 2025 was a rather eventful one, especially for the armed forces as they displayed jointness to counter and neutralise several enemy targets during the four-day Operation Sindoor. And the Indian Air Force is set to showcase the same in its flypast during the Republic Day Parade 2026 on Monday (January 26, 2026).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to deliver one of its most impactful displays yet at the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026, blending operational combat credibility with symbolism of transformation, as it takes centre stage as the lead service for all ceremonial events this year.

At a press preview ahead of the celebrations at Kartavya Path, the IAF detailed what is new and significant this year – right from the first-ever induction of women Agniveers in the IAF band to a special Operation Sindoor flypast formation, showcasing real combat aircraft that took part in last year’s cross-border counter-terror strikes.

IAF Republic Day Parade 2026 highlights: What’s special this year?

For RDP 2026, the Indian Air Force is the lead service, responsible for all ceremonial events. The celebrations will begin with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Katyal, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to fallen soldiers.

The IAF said the Republic Day Parade remains a powerful expression of national unity, military strength and technological progress, aligned with its motto “Touch the Sky with Glory.” With this, it also provided a detailed overview of the marching contingent, Veterans’ tableau and the flypast.

IAF Republic Day Parade 2025 marching contingent: What’s new?

Comprising 144 young Air Warriors, the IAF marching contingent this year represents a blend of tradition and modernity. Selected for their exemplary bearing and discipline, the contingent has undergone weeks of rigorous training in Delhi’s harsh winter conditions. It will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar.

Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh will be the Supernumerary Officers.

Supporting the contingent will be the IAF Band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel, which will perform the modern composition “Sound Barrier” at the Presidential dais.

Women Agniveers to be a historic first at RDP 2026

In a major milestone, nine women Agniveers will march as part of the IAF band contingent for the first time in Republic Day history. The 75-member band includes 66 Agniveers, including nine women. The remaining members are seasoned Air Warriors. Officials said the move reflects the IAF’s growing emphasis on gender inclusion and Agnipath scheme.

Young women Agniveers, some as young as 19, described the opportunity as a “singular honour” and a proud moment in their service careers. Moreover, Flt Lt Akshita Dhankar will unfurl the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremonial parade.

What is the theme of the IAF Veterans’ Tableau?

The IAF will field a Veterans’ Tableau themed “Sangram se Rashtra Nirman Tak” (From Battle to Nation Building). The tableau would showcase the enduring role of veterans beyond the battlefield.

Front section: Amar Jawan Jyoti, 3D models of historic war machines including T-55 and Vijayant tanks, MiG-21, Mirage, Jaguar, Hunter aircraft, INS Mysore and INS Rajput, with references to the 1965, 1971 wars and the 1999 Kargil conflict

Rear section: Highlights veterans’ contributions to flood relief, healthcare, education and the Make in India initiative

IAF’s Republic Day 2026 flypast: Operation Sindoor formation

The IAF flypast will involve 29 aircraft operating from six bases, organised into eight formations across two phases. These include 16 fighter aircraft, 4 transport aircraft, 9 helicopters. Aircraft on display will include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, transport platforms C-130 and C-295, and Navy’s P-8I, highlighting tri-service jointmanship.

Attack helicopters such as Apache, ALH Mk-IV, ALH WSI and LCH will also participate. The display would showcase the capabilities of the aircraft, complemented by strategic assets which will include the C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft.

What is the ‘Operation Sindoor’ formation?

The standout feature of RDP 2026 will be the Operation Sindoor formation, a symbolic flypast involving actual combat aircraft used in the operation. The formation will include 2 Rafale fighters, 2 Su-30 MKI, 2 MiG-29, 1 Jaguar.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, Indian forces carried out precision strikes, with the IAF deploying Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, reportedly neutralising over 100 terrorists in a swift, coordinated strike.

The flypast embodies the IAF’s theme: “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Precise, Impenetrable and Accurate).