The flypast this year will be carried out by a total of 40 aircraft in two phases, comprising 22 fighter jets, 11 transport planes, seven helicopters, and three Dornier surveillance planes of the Coast Guard. In the first phase, the Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters will be carrying the national flag, marking the commencement of the parade. Synchronised with the marching contingent, a formation of MiG-29s will fly overhead when the IAF marching contingent of 144 personnel is on the parade route.The second phase, marking the culmination of the parade, will see a total of 12 formations including fighters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar and others.The IAF marching contingent comprises four officers (one Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 airmen. The Contingent Commander would be Squadron Leader Mahender Singh with Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Damini Deshmukh, Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem and Flying Officer Abhinav Ghosh as supernumerary officers.The Air Force contingent will march abreast in a 12 by 12 formation to the tunes played by the IAF band, consisting of 72 musicians including 22 Agniveer and three Drum Majors led by Sergeant Charles Anthony Daniel. The band would be playing the tune ‘Sound Barrier’ as it crosses the Presidential dais. It is the first time that the Agniveers will be part of any band.
Source link
