Varanasi, Oct. 20 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a series of aerial displays at the iconic Namo Ghat here on October 22, 24 and 25, showcasing its combat capabilities, technological prowess and flying skills under the 'Wings Over Ganges' theme, officials said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the programme on October 25, they said.
Titled 'Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026', the event will highlight the force's rich heritage, modern air power and commitment to national security.
According to IAF officials, a total of 100 aircraft will participate in the event, including 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft and 32 helicopters.
Fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas are slated to demonstrate their capabilities.
Transport and surveillance aircraft, including the C-130, C-295, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32, are also expected to participate, they said.
The IAF's Suryakiran aerobatic team will be among the major attractions, performing manoeuvres over the Ganga. A formation involving nine Hawk aircraft following a C-17 Globemaster-led flight will precede the Suryakiran team's display, officials said.
Several specially designed aerial formations, named 'Kashi', 'Varun', 'Kedar', 'Hanuman', 'Omkar', 'Rudra' and 'Bhagirathi', will demonstrate the force's precision flying, coordination and operational capabilities.
Under the 'Kashi' formation, three Kiran aircraft are planned to fly in a V-shaped formation, while three Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III helicopters will feature in the 'Varun' formation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.