Thunder Over Guwahati! IAF’s Aerial Spectacle Marks 93rd Anniversary in Style

Guwahati has seen many beautiful days — but few could rival the spectacle that unfolded over the Brahmaputra on Sunday. As the mighty river mirrored the blue expanse above, the Indian Air Force (IAF) painted the skies with precision, power, and pride, leaving thousands along Lachit Ghat spellbound.

Continuing its glorious 93rd anniversary celebrations, the IAF’s flying display over the Brahmaputra was not just an event — it was an experience. For the first time in history, Assam hosted the Air Force Day celebrations, and what a grand debut it was!

The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the clock inched towards noon. Dignitaries including Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took their places, their faces reflecting the same awe as the crowd gathered around them. From schoolchildren waving flags to elderly citizens watching from specially arranged viewing zones, every eye was fixed skyward — waiting for that first thunderous roar.

And then it began.

Also Read: Traffic Restrictions Announced in Guwahati Ahead of Air Force Day Flypast

The Skies Came Alive

At 12:40 pm sharp, the air reverberated with the rhythmic hum of rotor blades as the Dhwaj and Hollong formations of Mi-17 helicopters set the tone — disciplined, dignified, and dazzling. What followed was a two-hour display of raw skill and impeccable coordination.

The Tejas jets — under the Lachit and Dikhow formations — sliced through the clouds, showcasing India’s indigenous might. The Apache “Rhino” and Sarang (ALH Mk1) formations followed, performing gravity-defying manoeuvres that left spectators cheering uncontrollably.

Transport aircraft — the workhorses of the IAF — joined in with Do-228 (Sunrise), C-295 (Manas), and C-130 & An-32 (Segun) formations, proving that power isn’t only about speed, but about strength and precision. Then came the Jaguars (Himalaya), Hawks (Kanchenjunga), and Su-30 MKIs (Trishul, Barak, Orchid) — roaring over the Brahmaputra in heart-stopping synchrony.

When the Rafales of “Haati” formation thundered across the sky, the crowd erupted in patriotic applause. And as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) streaked the sky with trails of saffron, white, and green to the tune of Zubeen Garg’s “Mayabini”, the moment transcended celebration — it became emotion.

Also Read: 93rd Air Force Day: IAF to dazzle Guwahati with its first-ever full-scale air show in Northeast

A First for Assam, A Moment for the Nation

This wasn’t just another air show. It was history unfolding above the Northeast, a region that has long nurtured brave hearts and dreamers. From the vantage points of Nilachal Hills to the serene precincts of Bhubaneswari Mandir, spectators watched in awe as the riverfront turned into an open-air theatre of aviation excellence.

The theme of this year’s Air Force Day — “Infallible, Impervious, and Precise” (अचूक, अभेद्य व सटीक) — found its perfect canvas in the skies of Guwahati. Every roll, dive, and climb testified to the courage, discipline, and perfection that define the Indian Air Force.

Inspiration in Every Flight Path

Beyond the noise of engines and applause, what lingered was a feeling — of pride, of belonging, of gratitude. For the youth, it was a living dream — to see the guardians of India’s skies perform right above their hometown. For the older generation, it was a reassurance that the spirit of valour that built this nation still soars strong.

The Brahmaputra Air Show was more than an event. It was a reminder that the sky is not the limit — it’s just the beginning.

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