Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Indian Air Force's air show, Wings over Ganges, at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, on the final day of the three‑day event held to mark the Force's 94th anniversary. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the prime minister, according to Air Force officials.
Air display and participating units
Air Force officials said the show included fighter aircraft and helicopters from the service's inventory. The displays featured the Sukhoi‑30MKI, the indigenous Tejas, and the light combat helicopter LCH Prachand. Aerobatic and formation teams took part: the Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team performed precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres.
- Kiran aircraft flew in a 'V' formation painted in the national colours.
- Mi‑17 helicopters participated by carrying the tricolour and flying an Omkar formation.
- The Surya Kiran and Sarang teams delivered aerobatic and helicopter display routines for the public audience.
Large crowds gathered along the route from the police lines to Namo Ghat to witness the aerial displays. Local officials organised public viewing points and cultural programmes along the prime minister's route; attendees greeted the visiting dignitaries with floral tributes and traditional performances, the Air Force said.
Public engagement and context
The event combined an aerial demonstration of operational platforms with a civic engagement element: Air Force officials described the air show as both a celebration of the service's anniversary and an opportunity to engage the public. The displays involved fighter, transport and helicopter assets and included visual formations and aerobatic sequences for spectators along the Ganga.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Indian Air Force 94th anniversary air show |
| Location | Namo Ghat, Varanasi |
| Notable attendees | Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh; UP CM Yogi Adityanath |
| Participating aircraft/teams | Sukhoi‑30MKI; Tejas; LCH Prachand; Kiran; Mi‑17; Surya Kiran; Sarang |
The presence of the prime minister and the defence minister at a public air show underscores the ceremonial and outreach aspects of such events, which the Air Force organises to mark service anniversaries and to showcase selected platforms and aerobatic capabilities to civilians and local authorities.
No operational announcements or new induction details were made as part of the air show coverage provided by Air Force officials.
