Apache, Chinook to make fly-past debut IAF musician to play in career’s 25th parade
NEWDELHI: The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift choppers will make their debut on January 26 at this year’s Republic Day flypast, which is one of the most popular elements of the annual parade at New Delhi’s Rajpath.
The air force said on Monday that the fly-past will consist of 45 aircraft — 16 fighter jets, 10 transport planes, and 19 helicopters. “All aircraft will fly in from the Rashtrapati Bhawan side and exit towards the India Gate at heights between 60 metres and 300 metres above ground level,” an IAF spokesperson said.
The fighter jets taking part in the fly-past are Sukhoi-30s and upgraded Mig-29s. Other planes in the display include C-17 Globemaster III heavy lifters, C-130J Super Hercules special operations aircraft, Mi-17 V5 helicopters, Rudra advanced light helicopter (ALH) Mk IV WSI, and the army’s Dhruv ALH.
Five Us-made AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and three CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters — the IAF’S latest acquisitions — will be the highlights of the parade this year.
I n Se p t e mber 2 0 1 5 , t he National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government placed a $3.1-billion order for 22 Apaches and 15 Chinooks to scale up the air force’s capabilities. Both helicopters are manufactured by US defence giant, Boeing.
Apart from the fly-past, the
First army woman to lead all-male contingent
Captain Tania Shergill will be the first woman officer to lead an all male contingent as Parade Adjutant during the Army Day Parade on January 15. Shergill is with the Corps of Signals, an arm of the Indian Army that handles its military communications. Last year, Captain Bhavna Kasturi was the first woman officer to lead an all male contingent at the Republic Day parade.
IAF participates in the Republic Day parade with a band, a marching contingent, and a tableau.
This year, the IAF tableau will have mock-ups of Rafale fighter, the locally built Tejas light combat aircraft, a light combat helicopter, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile.
The first batch of four Rafale fighters is expected to arrive in India from France this AprilMay. France formally handed over to IAF its first Rafale fighter jet at a formal induction ceremony in Merignac last October.
The Rafale deal was an emergency purchase to arrest the slide in IAF’S capabilities. The count of the IAF’S fighter squadrons has reduced to around 30 compared to an optimum strength of 42-plus units required to fight a two-front war with China and Pakistan.
The IAF marching contingent will consist of four officers and 144 air warriors.
NEWDELHI: The upcoming Republic Day parade will be a high-point of Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar’s military career — the Indian Air Force (IAF) musician will march down Rajpath on January 26 for the 25th straight time.
Military officials said participating in the parade for so many years is a significant achievement. “Nothing can beat the feeling of marching down Rajpath on Republic Day. I may be doing it for the 25th time but I am as excited as I was when I debuted at the parade in 1995,” Kumar said.
I n a s t at e ment, t he I AF described him as “an accomplished drum major”.
The 47-year-old musician will lead a 75-man air force naval band as its drum major in front of more than 150,000 attendees, with millions watching the parade on televisions at home.
Kumar, who hails from Haryana’s Karnal district, will be leading the IAF band at the parade for the 12th time (his other appearances were as band member).
Kumar and his crew began practising for the parade last week, and have been spending up to eight hours daily to synchronize their moves. A few of his band members have taken part in the parade multiple times.
“Military musicians have to be highly disciplined and motivated. They also need to have good stamina to march and play music at the same time,” said Kumar. He has been the drum major of the IAF band at prestigious events across the world, including performances in Germany, Finland, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The milestone should be seen in the context that repeat appearances in the parade are generally easier for members of military bands, which are a constant feature at the parade.
For instance, Master Chief Petty Officer (musician) Vincent Johnson, the drum major of the naval band participating in the annual parade.
As reported by HT on January 9, this will be Johnson’s 16th parade and it will be his second appearance as the drum major.
The army will have four marching bands at the parade, led by inspector of army bands Major Vimal Joshi. He is leading the bands for the second time and several of his band members are taking part in the parade for the second or third time, said an officer.
“The army being a bigger service keeps rotating musicians. That’s why our personnel haven’t participated in the parade as many times as IAF or navy musicians,” he added.