US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, expressed his delight on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, extending greetings and emphasizing the historic significance of the celebration. Speaking through his official X account, Gor noted that attending the parade for the first time was an honour and highlighted the symbolic impact of US-made fighter jets soaring over Indian skies as a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed an impressive fleet of around 20 fighter aircraft for the Republic Day parade, including Rafales, Su-30s, Mirage 2000 jets, and the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, creating a robust aerial shield to secure the event until January 30. Many of these jets operated in combat air patrol mode, while others were positioned on the Operational Readiness Platform, ready to take off within minutes under high-alert conditions.
The Netra AEW&C and AWACS aircraft provided long-range surveillance, offering comprehensive situational awareness of potential aerial threats, supported by ground-based radars monitoring enemy movements 24×7. The AEW&C aircraft has recently achieved Final Operational Clearance from the Indian Air Force, further strengthening India’s air defence capabilities.
Helicopters, including the Mi-17 fleet, were also deployed, patrolling the skies around the parade venue and carrying commandos ready to neutralize drones or other airborne threats. Surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, Army Air Defence guns, and man-portable Igla systems, were strategically positioned along with advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems to mitigate any threat from low-flying aircraft or drones.
A sophisticated communication network under the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was implemented to facilitate real-time coordination among security agencies. This enabled rapid decision-making, ensuring the safety of the event while showcasing India’s military readiness and operational precision, particularly significant as this was the first major display of air power following Operation Sindoor.
The presence of US-made aircraft not only added grandeur to the parade but also underscored the deepening defence and strategic collaboration between India and the United States.
