Republic Day 2023: Fifty aircraft to take part in celebrations at Kartavya Path, says IAF

Fifty aircraft will take part in the Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path and will include the Navy's IL-38 which will be showcased at the event for the first and perhaps the last time, a senior IAF official said.

IL-38 is a maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Navy that has served for nearly 42 years, he said.

"It will be showcased during the Republic Day celebrations here for the first time and perhaps the last time. It will be among the 50 aircraft that will take part in the event," the IAF official said.

These 50 aircraft will include four from the Army as well, he added.

At a press interaction here, the Indian Air Force also unveiled a model of the IAF tableau that will be showcased during the January 26 parade.

This will be the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path last year.

Meanwhile in Jammu & Kashmir adequate precautions taken to ensure smooth Republic Day celebrations, says Army officer

A robust security grid is in place and adequate precautions have been taken to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir on January 26, a senior Army officer said on Sunday.

"Things are under control. It (Republic Day) comes every year.... We take adequate precautions and are prepared both from the operational point of view as well as from the logistics point of view," General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army's 19 Infantry Division, Major General Ajay Chandpuria, told reporters in Baramulla.

He said a robust security grid has been put in place and all arrangements, coordination and synergy with the stakeholders are being ensured.

Maj. Gen. Chandpuria said the situation in north Kashmir is nearly normal.

He said there was no bandh in 2022 in the region and economic, social and educational activities went on uninterrupted.

The Army officer said the youngsters here are greatly aspirational, they are looking forward to a bright future and with the pace of development, there is every reason to be positive and optimistic about 2023.

"Opportunities are there and the youngsters are very eager. Whichever way we are able to support them, in terms of skill development, increasing awareness about the opportunities, all possible help, including financial, we will provide," he said.