Flypast mesmerises spectators despite weather woes

New Delhi, Jan 26:

Despite a heavily overcast sky and light drizzle, the flypast, which marks the culmination of the Republic Day parade, as usual mesmerised the spectators Monday.

The flypast had around 30 aircraft, a mix of surveillance, transport and fighter planes.

With US President Barack Obama as the chief guest, the flypast included three American aircraft acquired over the last few years – P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, C-130J special operations aircraft and the C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift aircraft.

The flypast commenced with three Mi-35 helicopters in a vic formation, followed by three C-130J Super Hercules.

The P-8I came next flanked by two MiG 29Ks, the newly inducted Russian fighter jets of the navy in a victor formation.

The C-17 Globemaster was next, flanked by two Su-30s, followed by five Jaguar fighter jets in arrowhead formation.

Thereafter, five MiG 29 superiority fighters of the Indian Air Force came, and finally, three Sukhoi 30 MKIs in a trishul formation.

The Su-30 MkI aircraft split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky.

The Army’s indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv also flew over Rajpath. (IANS)