VARANASI, Oct. 21 -- The skies above the Ganga are set to resonate with the roar of fighter aircraft, the precision of aerobatic formations and the breathtaking manoeuvres of the Indian Air Force (IAF), as Varanasi prepares to host the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 at the iconic Namo Ghat. A total of 100 aircraft, including 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and one heritage aircraft, will participate in the aerial display, along with the IAF's Garud Special Forces, at the ghat on October 22, 24 and 25. These aircraft will take off from 12 air bases across the country, including Arakkonam, a naval base near Chennai. "This showcases the ubiquity and strategic reach of aerospace power," said Indian Air Force officials in a press conference. The aerial display will feature a total of 25 aircraft formations, including Kashi Varuna and Kedar, Hanuman, Omkar, Rudra Bhagirathi, Tridev, Alaknanda, Bhairav, Kailash, Natraj, Vishwanath and Prachanda among others. These formations have been meticulously planned to showcase a varied range of aerial platforms in service with the IAF. The display aims to highlight their operational capabilities and professionalism through synchronised and well-coordinated aerial manoeuvres, said Air Vice Marshal PVS Narayana, the SOA (special officer in-charge, administration), HQ Central Air Command while addressing a joint press conference here that was attended by Varanasi commissioner of police Mohit Agarwal and divisional commissioner S Rajalingam. Wg Cdr Debartho Dhar, PRO and spokesperson for the ministry of defence (Prayagraj), moderated the event. The show is being conducted to commemorate the IAF's 94 years of dedicated service to the nation. The event will showcase the IAF's aerospace power over the Ganga, inspiring young citizens and reaffirming the IAF's enduring commitment to national security, said Narayana. The aerial display is scheduled to feature a diverse range of aircraft, including the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, IL-76, IL-78, C-295 and AN-32, alongside frontline fighter aircraft such as the SU-30MKI and Rafale, besides aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army, displaying jointness in operations....