India to recreate 'Operation Sindoor' at upcoming Republic Day parade
A highlight of this year's flypast will be a special seven-aircraft formation consisting of two Rafales, two Su-30s, two MiG-29s, and a single Jaguar aircraft, all of which were active participants in "Operation Sindoor" in May last year
The Indian military is set to recreate its tri-services campaign against Pakistan from last May during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on 26 January.
The display, an annual exhibition of the country's military and diplomatic reach, will feature the specific aircraft formations and hardware used during the 88-hour conflict.
Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal told the media during a briefing that the military aims to showcase all platforms used during the operation.
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A highlight of this year's flypast will be a special seven-aircraft formation consisting of two Rafales, two Su-30s, two MiG-29s, and a single Jaguar aircraft, all of which were active participants in "Operation Sindoor" between 7 and 10 May last year.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army on 7 May last year following a 'militant attack' in Pahalgam, a popular tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.
India stated the offensive was aimed at dismantling what it claimed as 'militant infrastructure' across the border.
Wing Commander Rajesh Deshwal noted that the tableau would move down Kartavya Path in formations mirroring a battle scenario, beginning with reconnaissance and followed by logistics and personnel in full battle gear.
The tri-service tableau is being framed by Indian defence officials as an authoritative representation of a "decisive transition" to precision and integrated warfare.
The display will open with the Indian Navy's maritime dominance, transitioning to the Army's M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer guns.
The demonstration may also feature the Akash Air Defence System and loitering munitions, the latter of which was reportedly used to neutralise radar systems during the conflict.
The sequence further illustrates the Rafale executing strikes with SCALP missiles and the SU-30 MKI launching BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles against hardened shelters.
The display culminates with the S-400 system, which India claims executed the operation's longest-range engagement at 350km against an airborne early-warning platform.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also use the parade to unveil several indigenous technologies.
Chief among these is a hypersonic glide missile designed for coastal defence. The missile is reportedly capable of flying at low altitudes with high speed and manoeuvrability, making it difficult for ground and ship-based radars to detect.
The parade will be witnessed by several foreign dignitaries, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are attending as guests of honour.
