The Republic Day parade will witness the return of French Army soldiers marching down the Rajpath, with President Emmanuel Macron as this year’s chief guest. The grand finale promises a spectacular fly-past by the Indian Air Force, featuring two Rafale Fighter Jets from the French Air Force.
According to people in the know of the matter, a 95-member strong contingent of the French Foreign Legion is arriving in New Delhi on Saturday. They will march at Kartavya Path on Republic Day.
In 2016, the celebration marked a historic moment as the first inclusion of a foreign military contingent. French President Francois Hollande graced the occasion, symbolizing the deepening ties between India and France following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit the prior year.
Prior to this, Indian troops had showcased their presence in a similar setting in France. On July 14, 2009, the Maratha Light Infantry, one of India’s long standing regiments, marched alongside the French Army down the iconic Champs Elysee in Paris.
This time around, the spotlight is expected to be once again on a 75-member contingent from the French Army and will parade in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, chief guest President Macron, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Aerial Display
The upcoming Republic Day celebrations promise a stunning display of military prowess, with two Rafale Fighter jets from the French Air Force joining the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) flypast.
This year’s aerial showcase will highlight India’s strength, featuring 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters, and a heritage aircraft soaring above the Kartavya Path.
A notable addition to the lineup is the C-295 transport aircraft, participating for the first time in Republic Day celebrations, adding a fresh dimension to the spectacle.
A key attraction is the portrayal of the historic ‘Tangail airdrop’ during the 1971 victory over Pakistan. One Dakota aircraft and two Dorniers will execute the iconic ‘Tangail formation’ during the celebrations.
Debuting at the Republic Day parade, the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will showcase its capabilities with four planes flying in a ‘Tejas formation,’ marking a significant moment in the parade’s history.
The flypast will witness six Rafale fighter jets in a ‘Vajraang formation,’ marking the first instance of a considerable portion of the Rafale fleet participating in this grand event.
The 74th Republic Day Parade will boast a substantial presence of the Indian Air Force, showcasing a fleet of fifty aircraft, including a mix of fighter jets, helicopters, and cargo planes.
The Rafale Fighter Jet, part of this formidable fleet, landed in India on July 29, 2020, following a four-year intergovernmental deal with France. The IAF has since established two squadrons of 18 jets each, strategically positioned in the north and south regions.
As the parade concludes, four Rafale aircraft will display the ‘Netra formation,while four others will dazzle in the ‘Vajrang configuration.’ Adding to the spectacle, a C-17 flanked by two Su-30s will form the ‘Bheem’ formation, and a C-130 surrounded by four Rafale planes will further captivate the audience.
Beyond the Rafale, attention will also be drawn to the Ilyushin 38, a long-range observation and anti-submarine warfare aircraft commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1977, providing a historical touch to the vibrant display.