Indian Air Force Celebrates 93rd Anniversary with Spectacular Flypast of Tejas and Rafale Jets Over Brahmaputra River

A spectacular flypast featuring 58 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas and the French-made Rafale, soared over the Brahmaputra River on Sunday, mesmerizing spectators gathered for the air show in Guwahati. The event marked a significant part of the IAF's 93rd anniversary celebrations.

The thunderous roars of aircraft engines combined with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as the Tejas, Rafale, and the renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team demonstrated exceptional aerial prowess and precision maneuvers at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh were present at the event, visibly impressed by the pilots' remarkable coordination and breathtaking aerial displays.

Commemorating 93 years of the IAF's dedicated service to the nation, the show featured approximately 25 distinct formations executed by fighter jets and transport aircraft. The demonstration served as a powerful testament to India's growing air power and military capabilities.

The air show over Guwahati represented the celebration component of the IAF Day festivities, while the formal parade element had been conducted at Air Force Station Hindon in Ghaziabad on October 8. All frontline fighters participated in the display, including a special formation of aircraft that had taken part in Operation Sindoor.

After a hiatus following an incident in Gujarat, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team made a much-anticipated return to the skies, adding to the spectacle. Aircraft participating in the show operated from multiple bases including Tezpur, Hasimara, and Guwahati.

The diverse aerial fleet showcased India's military aviation strength, featuring Tejas, Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mi-17, Apache, ALH Mk-1, C-295, C-130J Super Hercules, An-32, AEW&C, MiG-29, IL-78, Mirage, Hawk, Jaguar, C-17, and Harvard aircraft.

The earlier October 8 anniversary commemoration at Air Force Station Hindon was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, along with the Chiefs of Army and Navy Staff. The ceremonial parade was reviewed by the IAF Chief, with former Air Chiefs and senior officers in attendance.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the President's Colors, symbolizing pride, unity, strength, and esprit de corps. Three Mi-17 1V helicopters performed an aerial salute in 'Dhwaj' formation, proudly displaying the National flag, IAF flag, and Operation Sindoor flag.

During his address, the Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the remarkable evolution of the IAF from modest beginnings to becoming the "Fourth largest Air Force in the World." He emphasized the IAF's ability to decisively shape military outcomes through precision and speed, citing Operation Sindoor as evidence of the force's capabilities.

The Air Chief expressed confidence in domestically integrated weapons systems and underscored the IAF's dedication to innovation and adaptability, particularly in its training philosophy of 'Train like we fight.'