According to Hindustan Times, Zee News, Rediff and other media reports that cite official sources, the claim by the **Indian Air Force (IAF)** of showing a special **”Sindoor” formation** during the **Republic Day 2026** flypast is true. The formation will include **two Rafale jets**, **two Su-30 MKIs**, **two MiG-29 fighters** and **one Jaguar** aircraft—all platforms involved in **Operation Vermillion**. This air display is a symbol of India’s air power, solidarity and operational preparedness after the events of 2025. The entire flypast will involve approximately 29 aircraft, with other formations including transports (C-130, C-295), marines (P-8I) and helicopters (Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17).
**Operation Sindoor** was an actual military operation launched by India on **May 7, 2025** in response to the **Pahalgam terrorist attack** that occurred on **April 22, 2025** in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Militants killed **26 civilians** (mostly tourists) in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, an attack linked to groups like The Resistance Front (alleged LeT proxy), although some denied it. India blamed Pakistan-backed organizations (Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen) and struck nine terror camps/launchpads in Pakistan and PoJK, claiming to have killed over 100 terrorists in precision strikes using Rafale jets equipped with **SCALP missiles** and **HAMMER bombs**. The operation was short-lived (May 7–10, 2025), leading to escalating tensions, Pakistani retaliation, and a ceasefire. India insisted on minimal civilian casualties and no targeting of military targets, although Pakistan disputed the claims and reported casualties.
**Security Upgrade** has also been confirmed for Republic Day 2026. Delhi Police will for the first time deploy **AI-enabled smart glasses** (e.g., Indian startup AznaLens or similar, with facial recognition, thermal imaging and real-time database linkage) to be worn by select personnel on the line of duty. According to Additional CP Devesh Kumar Mahala, all CCTVs will have video analytics and **Facial Recognition System (FRS)** to monitor crowds, identify threats (including masked/altered faces) and enhance surveillance.
This year’s parade highlights the military story of Operation Sindoor, the use of technology and zero tolerance for terrorism amid the current regional tensions.
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