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IAF’s Dakota To Do Fly Past On Republic Day With Bangladesh In Focus

(This News Article Is Originally Posted on WION by Sidhant Sibal)

With Bangladesh in focus, a vintage Indian Air Force (IAF) Dakota will do a flypast at India’s Republic Day parade on January 26. 

The Dakota aircraft will be part of the Rudra formation along with 2 MI 171V. Dakotas had played a key role in Bangladesh’s war of liberation in 1971 and was used to airdrop troops. In fact, Bangladesh’s Air Force began its journey with gifted Dakotas from the IAF.

IAF’s spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi told WION, “The entire nation is celebrating Swarnim Vijay Jayanti. As part of the celebrations, Dakota being a vintage, which took part in the operations during the 1971 war, that aircraft, the formation, Dakota with MI 171V will be flying past the dais when Bangladesh contingent will be passing. “

This year, a 122-member strong contingent from Bangladesh’s Armed forces will be part of the Republic Day. It is only the third time in India’s history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate. The Bangladesh armed forces contingent comprises soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and air warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force.

The majority of the soldiers in the Bangladesh contingent come from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army comprising of 1,2,3,4,8,9,10 & 11 East Bengal Regiments and 1,2 and 3 field artillery regiments who had fought during the 1971 Liberation War. It is only the third time in India’s history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate in the grand parade. 

In 2021, Bangladesh celebrates the 50th year of its Independence and as part of shared celebrations, the country will be a key centre point at India’s Republic day parade. India meanwhile is celebrating “Swarnim Vijay Jayanti” which marks the 50th anniversary year of India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971.

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Shankul Bhandare

Hello, I am shankul and I love defence research and development and want to spread it through blogging.

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