**Executive Summary**
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a press preview for the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026, showcasing the marching contingent, Veterans' tableau, and flypast. The IAF is the lead service for all ceremonial events during the Republic Day celebrations. The parade and its elements reflect India's military strength, technological progress, and the IAF's commitment to national security. The event took place on 22 JAN 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Republic Day Parade Theme and Elements:**
* The Republic Day Parade is presented as a symbol of national unity and military strength.
* The IAF's motto "Touch the Sky with Glory" is reflected throughout the event.
* The ceremonial Guard of Honour will be commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Katyal, where the Prime Minister will pay homage.
* **IAF Marching Contingent:**
* Composed of 144 young Air Warriors.
* Led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh as Supernumerary Officers.
* **IAF Band:**
* Led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel.
* Consists of 72 musicians, including 57 Agniveervayu and 9 Agniveervayu women, along with 3 Drum Majors.
* Will perform the tune "Sound Barrier."
* **Veteran's Tableau:**
* Theme: "Sangram se Rashtra Nirman Tak" (From Battle to Nation Building).
* Features the Amar Jawan Jyoti, 3D models of historical war machines, representations from the 1965, 1971 wars, and 1999 Kargil Operation Vijay.
* Highlights veterans' contributions to national development.
* **Flypast:**
* Features 29 aircraft (16 fighters, 4 transport, and 9 helicopters).
* Organized into eight formations, commencing with the Dhwaj formation (Mi-17 IV helicopters carrying flags).
* Showcases the capabilities of various aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, and Indian Navy's P-8i.
* Includes attack helicopters (ALH MK IV, ALH WSI, Apache, and LCH).
* Features "Operation Sindoor" formation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Air Force (IAF)**
*Impact:* The IAF is positioned as a combat-ready, cohesive force, highlighting its capabilities, personnel, and equipment.
*Action Required:* Ensure the successful execution of the press preview.
**Participating IAF Personnel**
*Impact:* Provides an opportunity for recognition and demonstration of skills and capabilities.
*Action Required:* Successfully participate in the marching contingent, band, and flypast.
**Nation/Citizens of India**
*Impact:* Reinforces national pride and unity through the display of military strength and remembrance of veterans' contributions.
*Action Required:* None specified.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Air Force (IAF): The primary organization presenting the Republic Day Parade preview.
Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026: The event for which the press preview is being conducted, featuring a marching contingent, Veterans' tableau, and flypast.
Ministry of Defence: The governing ministry overseeing the Indian Air Force.
Kartavya Path: Location where the national celebrations will take place.
Agniveervayu: Members of the IAF band supporting the marching contingent.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN AIR FORCE UNVEILS GLIMPSE OF
COMBAT MIGHT, HEROIC TUNES AND
VETERAN LEGACY AT REPUBLIC DAY 2026
PRESS PREVIEW
प्रव तथ: 22 JAN 2026 7:27PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted its Press Preview for the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026 today,
providing a detailed overview of the marching contingent, Veterans' tableau and the flypast that will
feature prominently during the national celebrations at Kartavya Path.
Briefing the media, the IAF stated that Republic Day Parade serves as a powerful symbol of national
unity, reflecting India's military strength and technological progress. In alignment with the IAF's motto,
"Touch the Sky with Glory," all participating elements will be reflecting the IAF’s commitment to
safeguard the Nation's skies while contributing to nation-building.
This year the IAF, is the lead service for conduct of all ceremonial events related to the Republic Day
celebrations. The resplendent ceremonial Guard of Honour marking the commencement of the Republic
Day Parade, where the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will pay homage to the fallen Heroes
will be commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Katyal.
The briefing commenced with the introduction to the IAF marching contingent, which will be representing
a distinguished blend of tradition and modernity. Composed of 144 young Air Warriors selected from
across the service in recognition of their exemplary military bearing, the contingent has undergone weeks
of rigorous training to honour a legacy of pride and glory, while steadfastly upholding the core values of
the Indian Air Force. The IAF marching contingent is led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, with
Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh
as Supernumerary Officers.
The IAF Band, led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel, will be supporting the marching contingent. The
band comprises of 72 elite musicians, including 57 Agniveervayu and 9 Agniveervayu women (who are
being introduced for the first time), along with 3 Drum Majors. As the band passes the Presidential dais, it
will perform the tune "Sound Barrier," showcasing its versatility and the modern composition of the Force.
The major highlight of the briefing was the unveiling of the theme for the Veteran's Tableau, "Sangram se
Rashtra Nirman Tak" (From Battle to Nation Building), fielded by the IAF for this year's Republic Day
Celebrations. The front portion of the tableau feature the Amar Jawan Jyoti, 3D models of historical war
machines, which include the T-55 and Vijayant Tank, Hunter, MiG-21, Mirage and Jaguar aircraft, INS
Mysore and INS Rajput, and representations from the 1965, 1971 wars and 1999 Kargil Operation Vijay.
The rear portion highlights the role of veterans in national development, focusing on their voluntary
efforts in flood relief, medical services, education and the 'Make in India' initiative.The briefing concluded with a presentation on this year's flypast, which will feature 29 aircraft,
comprising 16 fighters, 4 transport, and 9 helicopters operating from six different bases. Organized into
eight distinct formations, the flypast will commence with the Dhwaj formation, where four Mi-17 IV
helicopters will carry the National Flag alongside the flags of the three services. The display will
showcase the capabilities of the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by
strategic assets which will include the C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy's P-8i aircraft. Attack
helicopters, such as the IAF's ALH MK IV and the Indian Army's ALH WSI, Apache and Light Combat
Helicopter (LCH) will also participate in the flypast showcasing jointmanship. A primary highlight of the
event is the "Operation Sindoor" formation, demonstrating air power and precision that embodies the
IAF theme," Achook, Abhedya va Sateek.
The Press Preview underscored the lAF's status as a combat-ready, cohesive force and a steadfast pillar of
the nation.***
VK/JS/IK
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