Varanasi, 25 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday witnessed a spectacular display of the Indian Air Force’s valour, skill and operational prowess from Namo Ghat in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. On the third day of ‘Wings Over Ganga’, the ‘Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026’, organised to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, 100 aircraft and helicopters performed breathtaking aerial manoeuvres over the Ganga.

The thunderous roar of fighter jets, their high-speed passes and precisely coordinated formations thrilled the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and thousands of spectators gathered to witness the spectacle.

As the Indian Air Force showcased its strength in the skies above the Ganga, enthusiasm soared among people lining the ghats and riverbanks. The atmosphere was charged with patriotic fervour, as spectators raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Har Har Mahadev”, “Vande Mataram” and “Modi, Modi”. Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries applauded the Air Force personnel, encouraging the air warriors as they demonstrated their skills.

The Prime Minister also waved to the crowds and made a gesture conveying the message of “Jai Hind”. Amid flower showers and chants of “Namo-Namo”, he was seen smiling and occasionally conversing with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The aerial display featured advanced fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Jaguar, which demonstrated their capabilities and combat prowess. The Harvard aircraft also featured in the programme, while the Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team captivated spectators with their precision manoeuvres and spectacular formations.

The performance also offered an insight into the Indian Air Force’s technological sophistication and tactical capabilities. Aircraft approaching from different directions, high-speed manoeuvres, seamless coordination and striking formations left spectators spellbound. Commentary highlighting the aircraft’s technical features and strategic capabilities added depth to the display, helping the audience better understand the Air Force’s operational procedures, modern technology and combat readiness.

In addition to fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft and support platforms demonstrated their capabilities. The helicopter fleet included the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Chinook, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark III, ALH Mark IV, Apache, Chetak, Kamov-31 and Mi-17 V5. Transport and support aircraft participating in the display included the C-295, C-17, C-130, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, IL-78, AN-32 and P-8I.

The event also featured two ALH helicopters from the Indian Army, along with a P-8I aircraft and a Kamov-31 helicopter from the Indian Navy. The presence of the Indian Air Force’s Garud Special Forces further underscored the programme’s strategic significance.

A total of 100 aircraft participated in the grand aerial spectacle, comprising 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and one vintage aircraft. The participating aircraft took off from 12 different air bases across the country.

The air show over the Ganga offered a vivid demonstration of the Indian Air Force’s aerial strength, technical expertise and extensive operational capabilities. Spectators gathered at Namo Ghat welcomed the thrilling manoeuvres with applause and patriotic slogans, while Prime Minister Modi appeared visibly enthusiastic as he watched the Air Force personnel in action.

The Prime Minister had arrived in Varanasi earlier on Sunday morning to participate in the day’s programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar