Indian Air Force (IAF) presented a dazzling show at its annual Air Force Day parade and fly-past on the occasion of its 90th anniversary celebration at Sukhna lake in Chandigarh. The breath-taking maneuvers enthralled the gathering that included President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
This year’s celebration is the first time, the parade and fly-past was held outside the Delhi-National Capital Region.
Prior to the spectacular aerial display, a ceremonial parade was held at the air force station here in the morning in the presence of Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.
The recently inducted and indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ also showcased its aerial prowess during the fly-past in a three-aircraft formation.
Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine LCH is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns and rocket systems, and is capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, drones and other assets in high-altitude regions.
Several other aircraft, including Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J and Hawk were part of the fly-past.
Among the helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17 were part of the aerial display.
The fly-past commenced with an ‘Aakash Ganga’ team of paratroopers in an AN-32 aircraft. Mi 17 V5 choppers showed their capability to undertake a fire-fighting operation using a ‘bambi bucket’, while Mi17 IV helicopters performed helocasting.
The US-made Chinook choppers, which are used for transporting troops, artillery etc, were also part of the spectacular display.
Rafale, Jaguar, Tejas and Mirage 2000 flew in ‘Sekhon’ formation, which is dedicated to IAF officer and Param Vir Chakra recipient late Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon.
On Air Force Day, greetings to air warriors and veterans of the Indian Air Force! The nation is proud of IAF for bravely guarding our skies and rendering help during calamities. It was delightful to witness an impressive air show from the scenic Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. pic.twitter.com/c1llkuHBSg
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2022
The packed crowd was also enthralled by ‘Ensign’ formation comprising three Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
The ‘Globe’ formation comprised a C-17 heavy lift aircraft and nine Hawk-132 jets trained by the Surya Kiran display team.
The ‘Eklavya formation’ comprised an Mi-35 aircraft in lead with two Apache and ALH Mk IV helicopters, while the ‘Big Boy’ formation consisted of an IL-76 and two AN-32 aircraft.
The IAF’s vintage aircraft Harvard and Dakota also made an appearance in the air show.
Among the formations was ‘Vajraang’, comprising C-130 J and Sukhoi-30, and ‘Netra’ by the airborne early warning and control aircraft, Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets.
Air Force Day marks the official induction of the IAF in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the force’s chief and senior officers among other dignitaries.
Attended the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force in Chandigarh today and witnessed the breathtaking aerial display by the courageous Air Warriors. pic.twitter.com/IojfnHqFw8
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2022
