Operation Sindoor Flypast Showcases India’s Air Power and Tri-Services Integration at Republic Day Parade

India’s 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path offered a powerful demonstration of the country’s evolving military strength, with Operation Sindoor emerging as one of the most striking symbols of air power and jointness among the armed forces. Speaking during a special broadcast, Sanjeev Kapoor highlighted the operational and symbolic significance of the aerial formation that captured national attention.

Air Marshal Kapoor explained that the aircraft flying in the Operation Sindoor formation were not symbolic placeholders but the very platforms that had taken part in real operational missions. Advanced fighter jets including Rafale, MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and Jaguar flew over Kartavya Path, underscoring India’s operational readiness and combat credibility.

According to Kapoor, the flypast was not merely a ceremonial display but a message of deterrence and preparedness. The formation represented the Indian Air Force’s ability to deploy and integrate multiple aircraft platforms seamlessly in real-world scenarios. He emphasised that such integration is the result of sustained training, indigenous technological inputs, and close coordination between the armed forces and India’s scientific community.

A key theme of the broadcast was the growing “harmonious integration” of India’s air defence and combat assets across the three services. Kapoor noted that indigenous innovations and contributions from Indian scientists have played a critical role in strengthening this capability. The emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology was evident throughout the parade, aligning military preparedness with the broader national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The programme also highlighted the Indian Navy’s expanding strategic footprint. Analysts pointed to India’s strong presence and dominance in the North Arabian Sea, a region of increasing geopolitical significance. This maritime capability was reinforced by the debut of the DRDO Long Range Anti Ship Missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The missile, described as a hypersonic system capable of striking targets up to 1,500 kilometres away, marked a significant leap in India’s offensive and deterrence capabilities.

The Republic Day parade further showcased the concept of “jointness” as the cornerstone of India’s future security doctrine. The tri-services tableau—representing the Army, Navy and Air Force—symbolised unified command, shared operational objectives and seamless coordination. This vision was reinforced by the march of the veterans’ contingent, linking India’s military legacy with its modern transformation.

Observers noted that the display reflected a shift in India’s defence posture, from service-specific capabilities to an integrated force structure designed to respond swiftly across domains—land, sea and air. The parade conveyed that jointness is no longer an abstract concept but an operational reality shaping India’s national security strategy.

As Operation Sindoor aircraft roared over Kartavya Path, the message was unmistakable. India’s armed forces are not only modernising platforms and weaponry but also redefining how they fight together. The Republic Day showcase reinforced that integration, indigenisation and readiness are now central pillars of India’s defence outlook, positioning the country as a confident and capable power in an increasingly complex security environment.