Varanasi set to witness spectacular IAF aerial display on October 25
Varanasi is all set to witness a spectacular ceremonial aerial display on October 25, marking the IAF’s 94th anniversary. The flying display will encapsulate the theme for the celebrations: ‘Infallible Impervious and Precise,’ it was learnt. Frontline fighter jets, including Rafales, Su-30MKI and Apache helicopters, are likely to enthral the audience.
Ceremonial fly-pasts showcase the IAF’s air assets and also provide a platform to bolster its connect with the masses. The IAF on Thursday held a vibrant parade at the Hindan air base, Ghaziabad, to celebrate over nine decades of the force since its inception on October 8, 1932.
The upcoming flying display will encapsulate the theme for the celebrations: ‘Infallible Impervious and Precise’. The IAF had put up a spectacular flying display over the majestic Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, besides the traditional parade at the Hindan air base, as part of the force’s 93rd anniversary celebrations in November 2025.
An array of fighter, transport and helicopter aircraft had flown past the Lachit Ghat, adding to the vibrant hues of Guwahati. The line-up reflected the wide array of aircraft the IAF has in its fleet.
Highlights in last year’s flypast included jets such as Tejas, Apache, C-295 and Hawks, symbolising the pathway to national resilience.
Besides, Su-30 MKI and Rafale had enthralled the audience in Assam with breathtaking low-level aerobatics. The performance had concluded with synchronised manoeuvring by the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) and Sarang helicopter display team, leaving the audience spellbound.
In his address at the Air Force Day celebrations at the Hindan air base, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said that since its inception in 1932, the IAF has evolved into an exceptional, network-centric and multi-domain force that is alert and ready to meet any challenges.
Besides the ceremonial parade, a static display of some of its prized combat assets such as Rafale and Tejas and a flypast by three Mi-17 helicopters was also hosted.
Aerial manoeuvres by a British-era Tiger Moth drew loud cheers from the audience.
The Tiger Moth, a key vintage asset preserved by the IAF, is now kept at the Hindan air base.
As the old trainer aircraft flew past, dived and swooped while performing aerobatics, members of the audience clapped and cheered.
Towards the end of the short aerial display of the twin-seater vintage aircraft, it performed low-level aerobatics, as the pilot and co-pilot waved at the crowd, who also waved back at the duo. The Tiger Moth was flown by Wing Commander Shishir Arora and Group Captain Amit Dhopawkar, a senior official said.
The Tiger Moth aircraft series was first built by de Havilland Aircraft Company in the 1930s, originally for the Royal Air Force (RAF) of England.
The IAF’s other prized combat assets, which were on display on the tarmac, were fighter jets such as Su-30 MKI and Jaguar; helicopters such as LCH Prachand and ALH Dhruv; and critical weapon and air defence systems such as BrahMos and Akash, Rohini radar system and a Dornier aircraft.
