Rafale, Sukhoi, and Apache jets fly past Kartavya Path during the Indian Air Force’s Republic Day display of force.

The Republic Day parade of 2023 was a display of India’s military prowess and a variety of cultures from around the nation. In the much anticipated Fly-Past, the Indian Air Force displayed its collection of vintage and contemporary aircraft, including Rafale fighters, Sukhois, Apaches, and Jaguars.
Cloudy skies hindered observers on the ground at the Kartavya Path, but IAF videos of the planes in flight reveal how the aircraft constructed the following patterns in mid-air:
1. The Trishul formation comprised three Sukhoi-30 MKI air superiority fighters.
Trishul formation comprising three Su-30 MKI air superiority fighters. pic.twitter.com/KGOiLWGD13
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023
2. Six Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft created the Amrit formation.
Amrit Formation comprising six Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft of the IAF pic.twitter.com/a2GL7GdfCQ
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023
3. The Bheem formation comprised a C 17 Heavy-Lift Transport aircraft flanked by two Sukhoi 30 MKI Air Superiority fighter jets.
Bheem Formation comprising a C 17 Heavy Lift Transport aircraft flanked by two Su 30 MKI Air Superiority fighters. pic.twitter.com/jG9QdgRgWl
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023
4. Four Rafale multi-role fighter jets and an AEW&C created the Netra formation.
Netra Formation comprising a AEW&C – Netra in the center flanked by four Rafale multi role fighters. pic.twitter.com/KfHQOHZ4GQ
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023
5. Vajraang formation comprised a C 130 Super Hercules Transport Aircraft in the center, flanked by two Rafale multi-role fighters on either side.
Vajraang formation comprising a C 130 Super Hercules Transport Aircraft in the center flanked by two Rafale multirole fighters on either side. pic.twitter.com/7nb5c7pGYn
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023
6. Baaz formation comprised three Mig 29 Multi-role fighters.
Baaz Formation comprising three Mig 29 Multirole Fighters. pic.twitter.com/GY7MNngmDT
— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023