Chinook, Apache to take part in R-Day flypast for first time; IAF tableau to showcase Rafale, Tejas

Newly-inducted stealth attack helicopter Apache and transport chopper Chinook will take part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time while a model of Rafale fighter jet will be showcased as part of the Indian Air Force's tableau, officials said on Monday.

Defence Minister Rajanth Singh had participated in the official handover ceremony in France in October last year for the first Rafale combat jet acquired by the IAF.

During the Republic Day parade, the IAF will also showcase its might and glory, with it tableau depicting scaled-down models of five systems recently added to its inventory -- Rafale aircraft, indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), surface-to-air guided weapon Aakash missile and Astra missiles.

Flt Lt Shrikant Sharma will lead the 144-strong IAF contingent on Rajpath for the second time in a row, while Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, an accomplished Drum Major, will front the IAF band, the officials said.

"The Republic Day flypast will comprise 41 aircraft of the IAF and four helicopters of the Army's aviation arm. The aircraft types include 16 fighters, 10 transport aircraft and 19 helicopters. The flypast will be conducted in two phases," a senior IAF official said.

Leading the ceremonial parade would be the 'Ensign' formation comprising four Mi-17 V5 helicopters in an inverted 'Y' formation, also referred to as the 'wineglass formation',