Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was all praise for the Indian Air Force’s breathtaking aerial spectacle over the Ganga in Varanasi on Sunday, summing up the show in three words in a post on X: “Varanasi air show… Magnificent!”The three-day event, marking the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, showcased the force’s military might, precision and professionalism, with lakhs of spectators from Purvanchal and nearby districts gathering along both banks of the river.Modi, along with defence minister Rajnath Singh, governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, watched the concluding session of the three-day air show after receiving a memento from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.Before Modi’s arrival, lakhs of people from far-flung districts of Purvanchal (eastern UP) had gathered along both banks of the Ganga, particularly at the downstream ghats and on the opposite bank in Chandauli district.Although the IAF had begun thundering over the Ganga with several formations before Modi arrived, spectators witnessed the spectacular display of the force’s strength, precision and professionalism after he reached Namo Ghat. Modi wore a white IAF cap and dark sunglasses.Following his arrival, the show progressed with the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, whose synchronised movements set the tone for the event. Soon after, the ‘Omkar’ formation of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters, led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta, entered the sky. Carrying the national flag and the IAF flag, the formation reflected patriotism and Kashi’s spiritual identity.The ‘Ganga’ formation of three Chetak helicopters, led by Group Captain Dipankar Das, followed, showering flowers over the Ganga.The roar of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft echoed across the city. Flying under the call sign ‘Rudra’, Wing Commander S Bhargava led the display. Squadron Leader Nikhil Babu, using the call sign ‘Shankar’, demonstrated aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through electro-optical systems. The ‘Bhagirathi’ formation, led by Group Captain Anubhav Mahendra, brought together the Light Combat Helicopter and Apache attack helicopters to showcase their combat utility.The ‘Tridev’ formation, led by Indian Navy Captain Divyendu Sharma and featuring Kamov-31 and ALH Mark-3 helicopters, showcased jointness among the armed forces. Group Captain Harsh Pandey led the ‘Alaknanda’ formation of Sukhoi aircraft and ALH helicopters. The ‘Bhairav’ formation of C-295 and Dornier-228 aircraft, led by Wing Commander Animesh Lamba, demonstrated transport and multi-role capabilities.The spiritual theme continued with formations named ‘Vishwanath’, ‘Pashupati’ and ‘Neelkanth’. Wing Commander Ayush Kunal led three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in the ‘Vishwanath’ formation, while Group Captain Mayank Pawar led four Jaguar fighter aircraft in a diamond formation under ‘Pashupati’. Wing Commander Kaustubh Nalawade led three Rafale fighters in the ‘Neelkanth’ formation, showcasing modern combat aviation capabilities.A major attraction was the solo display by the indigenous LCA Tejas, flown under the leadership of Group Captain Roop. The aircraft performed a four-point roll, vertical pitch-back, maximum rate turn, red-eye turn, vertical Charlie, Formula One turn, slow march and the inverted ‘Spiderman farewell’, highlighting India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities.The event also featured Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar and Tejas aircraft, along with demonstrations linked to BrahMos, SCALP, Crystal Maze and beyond-visual-range missiles.In the final phase, the C-17 Globemaster appeared alongside the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Led by Group Captain Ajay Dashrath, nine Hawk aircraft performed close formations, barrel rolls, the Vijay formation and other manoeuvres, leaving spectators applauding with pride.After staying until the end of the show, Modi appeared busy appreciating IAF officials before leaving for Odisha.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, his wife and Navy Welfare and Wellness Association president Laila Swaminathan, Chief of the Air Staff’s wife and Air Force Families Welfare Association president Sarita Singh, several senior officials, including those from the IAF’s Central Command, UP deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya and other dignitaries were present at Namo Ghat.
