IAF Celebrates 91st Anniversary With Aerial Display, Showcasing Its Formidable Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 91st anniversary with an aerial display at Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal on Saturday, September 30. This prelude to the annual Air Force Day parade, which is to be held in Prayagraj on October 8, showcased the prowess and precision of the Air Force’s fleet.

Aerial feats IAF displayed over Bhojtal
The event commenced with a HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump performed by the Akash Ganga paratrooper team from Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the IAF from an altitude of 10,000 ft. Against the backdrop of the Bhopal sky, the tricolour parachutes unfurled in the sky. Following the HALO jump, two CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters took centre stage, executing ‘thrilling’ aerobatic manoeuvres over Bhojtal Lake.

Following this, four Chetak helicopters from the IAF’s 141 squadrons, known as the Flamingos, took flight in an inverted wine glass formation. The azure stretch of Bhopal’s sky was further adorned by three Kiran MK 2 trainer aircraft, flying in formation, emitting the national flag’s colours. The showcase continued with India’s indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv MK 3s taking to the skies. Following was the arrival of the C-130 J along with two AN-32s in ‘Prithvi’ formation, underlining the IAF’s ability to refuel its fixed-wing fighters for long-range operations, the Gajraj Formation was next, with IL-78 mid-air refuelers accompanied by Mirage 2000s, a moment reminiscent of the Balakot airstrike of 2019 as just before breaching Pakistan’s airspace, refuelled with the IL-78. Demonstrating remarkable buddy-to-buddy air refuelling, the Su-30 MKI and Tejas showcased their capabilities in succession.

In a display of deep-penetrating strike capability, five Jaguars soared through the sky in the ‘Shamsher’ formation. The grand finale of the display of IAF’s arsenal featured the Flying Daggers, who graced the Bhojtal skies with India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.

The Tejas and Su-30 MKI then took to the stage, exhibiting their agility and aerobatic prowess. The awaited Sarang display followed as the ALH Dhruv aerobatics team circled Bhojtal, showcasing the rotorcraft’s ability to execute complex manoeuvres with ‘finesse’.The climax of the event was the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team, comprising the HAL-BAE Hawk trainer aircraft of the IAF. They covered the sky with a display of precision and skill, flying in victory formation. As per Air Force officials, the event not only celebrated the Indian Air Force’s rich legacy but also demonstrated its operational preparedness.

Air Force Day parade and the main air display to be over Sangam
Looking ahead, as per IAF officials, the Air Force Day parade and air display will be hosted in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, aligning with the new tradition of celebrating in different parts of the country. Further, the ceremonial parade would be conducted at Air Force Station Bamrauli, and another air display would be conducted over the Sangam area, in the vicinity of the Ordnance Depot Fort in Prayagraj, as per a PTI report. ‘The scenic surroundings would add to the appeal of the stream of aircraft flying by in close formation,’ the IAF said in a statement.”