IAF 'Sindoor' Formation Soars with Precision and Pride Over Kartavya Path

During the 77th Republic Day celebrations over Kartavya Path, the Indian Air Force (IAF) performed a fly-past featuring the new 'Sindoor' formation. This was a seven-aircraft spearhead formation that consisted of two Rafale, two Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, two MiG-29 and a Jaguar fighter jet. The IAF also shared an eye-view footage of the fly-past by a pilot, which demonstrated fast-speed manoeuvres and formations.

The Sindoor Formation

The Sindoor formation was a major part of the aerial show, and was formed as a commemoration of the involvement of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Operation Sindoor, a four-day military exercise in the aftermath of a four-day terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. This formation was characterised by an accurate and synchronised spear-headed formation of seven frontline fighter jets comprising two Rafale jets, two Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets, two MiG-29 jets, and one Jaguar fighter jet. The exhibition under the command of Group Captain Raghuvanshi represented the convergence of airpower and the IAFs ability to make precision strikes.

Fly-past Details and Pilot's Eye-View

The overall fly-past included 29 aircraft in total, operating from six different airbases. Other formations included: 

• Vajraang: Six Rafale jets in a high-precision aerial display.

• Varuna: A P-8I maritime patrol aircraft accompanied by two Su-30 fighters.

• Prahar: Three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), two from the Army and one from the IAF, with the lead aircraft carrying the 'Operation Sindoor' flag. 

This was the first fly-past carried out in two blocks in a new format of battle array that demonstrated the combination of various forces and platforms in a conflict situation. The Indian Air Force posted jaw-dropping cockpit video footage of the incident giving the viewer a rare and first-person pilot view of the fast manoeuvres and formations.