The low-flying Rafale aircraft executed a spectacular victory roll, leaving the crowd along Kartavya Path mesmerized as the 76th Republic Day Parade came to a memorable close on Sunday.
The impressive aerial stunts performed by three Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, which streaked over Kartavya Path at 900 kmph before breaking into a Trishul formation above the India Gate, also left the large audience stunned.
President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several dignitaries and a large crowd, were all seen applauding the bold maneuvers of the air warriors.
As the three fighter jets soared over the India Gate, they executed a stunning move: one jet shot straight up, while the other two veered off on either side, forming a Trishul, the trident of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the destruction of evil.The final act of the parade was the victory roll by the Rafale aircraft which approached the dias flying at an altitude of 300 metres and pulled up vertically near the saluting dias conducting rolls before stabilising at a higher altitude.
A total of 40 aircraft took part in the flypast, showcasing a stunning display of precision flying at incredible speeds.
The formation included 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft, and 7 helicopters, all of which took off from 10 different air bases. They gathered over Kartavya Path to execute daring aerial maneuvers in front of an audience that included President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, numerous dignitaries, and a large crowd gathered for the celebrations.
The flypast kicked off with the inaugural Ajay formation, featuring three Apache helicopters flying in a 'Vic' formation, followed by the Satluj formation, which consisted of two Dornier-228 aircraft and one AN-32 aircraft.
Prior to that, three Dornier-228 aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard flew in the Rakshak formation. This was followed by the 'Arjan' formation, where one C-130 aircraft led two C-295 aircraft flying in echelon in a 'Vic' formation.
The 'Netra' formation followed, consisting of one AWACS aircraft and two Su-30 fighter jets flying in echelon in a 'Vic' formation.
This was followed by the Bheem formation, where a C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft was accompanied by two Su-30 MKI air superiority fighters.
The tranquility of the Bheem formation was disrupted by the Amrit formation, as five powerful Jaguars flew over the water channel north of Kartavya Path, forming an 'Arrow-head' shape.
Following that, the 'Vajraang' formation showcased six Rafale aircraft flying in the 'Marut' formation.
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