Varanasi is set to host the Indian Air Force’s ‘Wings Over Ganges’ aerial display on October 25, marking a significant event in the service’s 94th anniversary celebrations. This display will feature an array of fighter aircraft, helicopters, transport planes, and aerobatic teams performing over the Ganga River.

This occasion marks the fifth instance of the IAF conducting a flypast outside the national capital region, a change initiated under the directive of the Prime Minister. Historically, the IAF Day parade and flypast were held at Palam Air Force Base until 2005, after which the venue shifted to Hindan in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. While the parade continues to take place at Hindan, the flypast has been relocated to various cities, with Varanasi being the latest.

Previous locations include Guwahati in 2025, Chennai in 2024, Prayagraj in 2023, and Chandigarh in 2022. The aerial display is scheduled to take place at Namo Ghat, where nine specially named formations will be showcased, featuring aircraft from various generations of the IAF fleet. This event aims to highlight the capabilities of the IAF while engaging the local community.

Aircraft and Formations Involved

The aerial programme will involve a total of 94 aircraft to commemorate 94 years of the IAF. This impressive lineup includes advanced fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Tejas, and MiG-29. Additionally, various helicopters will participate, including the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Advanced Light Helicopter, Apache, Chinook, Chetak, and Mi-17 V5.

Transport and support aircraft will also be part of the display, featuring the C-17 Globemaster, C-130, C-295, AN-32, IL-76, IL-78, and P-8I from the navy. Each formation will have a unique display, such as the ‘Kashi’ formation, which will see three Kiran aircraft flying in a V-shaped pattern, while the ‘Varun’ formation will showcase Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III aircraft.

Notably, the ‘Kedar’ formation will include a Rafale fighter performing a low-level display, and the ‘Hanuman’ formation will feature the Su-30MKI. The ‘Sarnath’ segment will highlight a vintage Harvard aircraft executing precision manoeuvres, while the ‘Omkar’ formation will consist of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters carrying the national and IAF flags.

Aerobatic Teams and Community Engagement

The ‘Dashashwamedh’ formation will see a C-17 Globemaster leading nine Hawk aircraft from the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. This team will perform coordinated aerobatic manoeuvres, including loops and barrel rolls, utilising saffron, white, and green smoke trails. The Sarang Helicopter Display Team will also participate, showcasing synchronised flying and formation changes, both of which are expected to be major attractions of the event.

The ‘Prachand’ formation will feature an impressive array of aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Tejas, and MiG-29, arranged in an arrow-shaped formation. The indigenous Tejas fighter is anticipated to have a solo display, further emphasising India’s advancements in military aviation. Participation from the army and navy will also be included, highlighting the collaborative efforts among the three armed services.

The aerial display aims to demonstrate the IAF’s flying skills, operational capabilities, and technological advancements while familiarising local residents and youth with military aviation. Rehearsals have already taken place over Varanasi in preparation for this grand event, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend.

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