Three-day air show begins amid enthusiasm in Varanasi
Varanasi, October 22: To mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, the three-day air show “Wings over the Ganga” began on Thursday in Kashi-Varanasi, where a cultural program at Namo Ghat opened the celebrations and IAF fighter helicopters thrilled spectators by painting the tricolor in the sky above the Ganga.
For this, three Kiran jets flew in a “V”-shaped wick formation, symbolizing victory, and illuminated the sky above the Ganga with the colors of the Indian tricolor. Three ALH Mark III helicopters from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army participated in this formation. Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Rafale displayed bravery and valor during its flight. Flying at a rapid speed of 200 kilometers per hour, the Rafale changed its direction and performed stunts, making several circles over the Ganges, zipping up and down, and even flying upside down.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI’s aerobatics brought the audience’s excitement to a crescendo. The Indian Army’s special Sarang helicopter display team also showcased its flying skills, painting the sky with the tricolor. The roar of the fighter jets, their high-speed flights, and their astonishing aerobatics mesmerized the audience.
For the first time in Kashi, this aerial display instilled pride in the country’s air power and military strength. The aircraft also decorated the sky with the colors of the tricolor, presenting a unique patriotic spectacle. Prior to this, people gathered on the ghats and across the Ganga in a joyous atmosphere from 10 a.m. onwards.
Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were in place at Namoghat and the surrounding ghats before the main air show. The aircraft’s formations, precise coordination, and thrilling aerial maneuvers enthralled the spectators. The display of the Indian Air Force’s operational capability, technical prowess, and tactical prowess impressed the audience. The event began with a cultural performance at Namoghat.
The air show featured air formations named after various names, including Kedar, Sarang, Omkar, Ganga, Rudra, Bhagirathi, Tridev, Alaknanda, Bhairav, Kailash, Trilochan, and Dashashwamedh. The aircraft displayed the professionalism of the air warriors through disciplined flying, precise coordination, and spectacular aerial maneuvers.
The formations were specially designed to showcase the capabilities of the IAF’s various fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters. The aerobatics of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team were also a special attraction for the spectators. The presence of the historic Harvard aircraft also added to the grandeur of the air show.
A total of 100 aircraft are scheduled to participate in the air display. These include 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters, and one historical aircraft. The fighter aircraft category will include aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Rafale, LCA, MiG-29, and Jaguar.
The helicopter fleet will showcase the capabilities of helicopters such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Chinook, ALH Mark-III, ALH Mark-IV, Apache, Chetak, Kamov-31, and Mi-17 V5. Transport and support aircraft include the C-295, C-17, C-130, AEW&C, IL-78, AN-32, and P-8I.
The event is also scheduled to feature two ALH helicopters from the Indian Army, and one P-8I aircraft and one Kamov-31 helicopter from the Indian Navy. The Garud Special Forces of the Indian Air Force will also participate in the display.
The aircraft participating in the air show will take off from 12 air bases across the country, including the Naval Air Station Arakkonam near Chennai.
