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 Rajnath 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 its 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…