SU 30 MKI with Rafale and Homemade Tejas. | Image:IAF
New Delhi: On January 26, India’s 75th Republic Day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase its air power by unveiling its most powerful line-up of fixed-wing fighter aircraft at the Republic Day Parade.
HAL Tejas and his captain
These include the indigenous HAL Tejas, an Indian-designed single-engine delta-wing light multi-role fighter aircraft jointly developed by the Aeronautical Development Authority and the Aircraft Research and Design Center of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. 18 Squadron under the command of Group Captain Dinesh Dhanakar will perform Tejas.
IAF’s Baaz and its Jabaaz(S)
The MiG-29 UPG, an improved version of the Soviet twin-engine fighter, created a nightmare for Pakistan’s F-16s at Kargil and has remained a formidable part of the Indian Air Force (IAF) ever since. This year, Group Captain Manoj Bhargav, commander of IAF 47 Squadron, will lead three MiG-29s in a Birds formation, flying at around 800 km/h. Flight Lieutenant Punia Nanjapa will also fly the Fulcrum this Republic Day.
Omniroll Rafales and its pilot
The IAF’s newest twin-engine fighter, the Rafale, is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of its air force. The Amrit Formation team led by group captain Nagendra Abhishek demonstrated the cutting-edge capabilities of the Rafale. The Rafale may also fly with a few jaguars.
The terrifying Su-30MKI
The air superiority fighter Su-30 MKI, which undoubtedly forms the backbone of the IAF, showcased its proven capabilities. Flight Lieutenant Arti Tomar, representing the world’s largest democracy, flew the Su-30 MKI along with Group Captain Sachin Arora, leader of 220 Squadron, in the Trishul formation.
This diverse fighter force will underline the IAF’s commitment to maintaining air superiority.
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