The Indian Air Force is presenting a three-day aerial display at Namo Ghat in Varanasi to mark its 94th anniversary, with the concluding day's events on 25 October attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
What is flying and who will attend
Officials said fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Tejas and Mirage 2000 performed manoeuvres over the Ganga on Saturday, part of a programme scheduled for 22, 24 and 25 October. The final day at Namo Ghat is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Scale of the display and highlights
The IAF has put on record that the event features 100 aircraft, made up of 52 fighter jets, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and a single heritage aircraft. Display highlights that drew spectators included a Chinook helicopter demonstration and aerobatic routines by the Surya Kiran display team.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Fighter jets | 52 |
| Transport aircraft | 15 |
| Helicopters | 32 |
| Heritage aircraft | 1 |
Aerial teams and formations
Performances on the opening and subsequent days included formation flying by IAF helicopters and precision routines by display teams. The Mi-17 fleet executed a tricolour show in an “Omkar” formation, and the Kiran aircraft flew in a Kashi formation. There was also a joint helicopter flight involving the three armed services.
Members of the Sarang helicopter display team, which operates Advanced Light Helicopters built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, took part. Squadron Leader Ankita Singh, a Sarang pilot, described the display team's role and its broader objectives:
“Sarang is Asia's only five-helicopter display team and performs using Advanced Light Helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The team's displays showcase the Indian Air Force's professional skills, coordination and the capabilities of indigenous aviation platforms” — Squadron Leader Ankita Singh
Security and crowd management
City and police officials said security was tightened ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. Varanasi has been divided into 32 zones, 50 sectors and 80 sub-sectors for security management, with around 11,900 security personnel deployed. Large crowds gathered along both banks of the Ganga on the opening day.
- Event dates: 22, 24 and 25 October
- Principal attendees for concluding day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Displayed aircraft: 100 total (52 fighters, 15 transports, 32 helicopters, 1 heritage)
The programme demonstrates the IAF's public outreach and the use of display events to project operational capabilities and national aviation heritage. Authorities have made extensive arrangements for traffic management, medical assistance and crowd control to handle the large spectator turnout at the riverfront.
