Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Nov 9: The skies above the Brahmaputra came alive on Sunday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) staged a breathtaking flypast featuring its frontline fighter jets — including the indigenously built Tejas and the formidable Rafale — as part of the Force’s 93rd anniversary celebrations.
Throngs of spectators gathered at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati cheered and applauded as the aircraft roared overhead in a series of high-precision aerial manoeuvres. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team dazzled the crowd with intricate formations and perfect synchronization, demonstrating the IAF’s unmatched skill and discipline.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, the IAF Chief, were among those in attendance, commending the pilots for their exceptional performance and coordination.
According to an official statement, 58 aircraft took part in the show, executing around 25 formations that included fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters. The display was a tribute to the IAF’s 93 years of courage, precision, and service to the nation.
The flypast was part of the extended IAF Day 2024 celebrations, following the ceremonial parade held on October 8 at the Air Force Station Hindon in Ghaziabad.
Among the aircraft showcased were the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, An-32, IL-78, AEW&C, Harvard, Apache, Mi-17, and ALH Mk-1 helicopters. A special highlight was a dedicated formation of aircraft that had participated in Operation Sindoor, symbolizing the IAF’s operational excellence.
The Sarang helicopter team, returning to the skies after being grounded due to a previous incident in Gujarat, also performed stunning synchronized aerobatics that drew loud applause.
Aircraft participating in the event flew in from Tezpur, Hasimara, Guwahati, and other nearby bases, underlining the IAF’s extensive regional presence and operational readiness.
Earlier, during the main parade at Hindon, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari reviewed the proceedings and received an aerial salute from three Mi-17 1V helicopters flying in ‘Dhwaj’ formation, carrying the National Flag, IAF Flag, and Operation Sindoor Flag.
In his address, the Air Chief lauded the IAF’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming the fourth-largest air force in the world, capable of influencing military outcomes with speed and precision. He praised the Force’s stellar performance in Operation Sindoor, reaffirming its faith in indigenous weapon systems and the principle of “Train like we fight.”
The grand Guwahati flypast not only celebrated India’s air power but also showcased the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the IAF — a force that continues to soar higher with every passing year.