The Rafale combat aircraft featured in India’s 72nd Republic Day parade for the first time this year as it became a part of the flypast during the celebrations.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) acquired the multi-role combat aircraft from France last year.
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The flypast comprised of the show-stopper Rafale with two Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and two MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Eklavya’ formation at a height of 300m.
The planes flew at a speed of 780 km/h during the Eklavya formation, which was led by Gp Capt Rohit Kataria, Flight Commander of 17 Squadron.
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Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron flew the Rafale, which was also seen under the ‘Brahmastra’ formation during the flypast, a report stated.
According to IAF sources, a total of 42 aircraft participated in the flypast, which included 15 fighter planes, five transport, and one vintage aircraft.
Apart from the Eklavya formation, the aircrafts also featured in the ‘Rudra’, ‘Sudharshan’, ‘Rakshak’ and ‘Brahmastra’ formations.