PM Modi witnesses IAF’s ‘Wings over Ganges’ air show in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday witnessed Wings Over Ganges, an aerial display by the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the Ganga from Namo Ghat in Varanasi.

Organised to commemorate the IAF’s 94th anniversary, the show featured a range of aircraft demonstrating the force’s operational capabilities, precision flying and coordination.

The display included the Tejas light combat aircraft, the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, along with transport and other military aircraft.

The second phase of the programme began with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the IAF flag in an ‘Omkar’ formation led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta. This was followed by a series of aerial manoeuvres.

The ‘Bhagirathi’ diamond formation featured LCH and Apache helicopters, followed by the ‘Tridev’ formation, which brought together the Indian Navy’s Kamov-31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 helicopters from the IAF and the Indian Army, highlighting coordination among the three services.

Flowers were also showered from the sky as part of the ceremonial display. Rudra aircraft, led by Wing Commander S. Bhargava, performed a flare display, while the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) impressed spectators with coordinated manoeuvres and precision formations over the river.

The Surya Kiran team, which operates nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, performed a series of signature formations and aerobatic routines.

The show also highlighted the IAF’s airlift, surveillance and formation-flying capabilities. Aircraft participating in various formations included the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, MiG-29, P-8I, IL-78, Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI. The formations were named ‘Freelocean’, ‘Nataraj’, ‘Mahadev’ and ‘Vishwanath’.

Large crowds gathered along the banks of the Ganga to watch the performances, which showcased the precision, coordination and technical expertise required for large-scale aerial displays.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event.