Varanasi, October 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday witnessed ‘Wings Over Ganges’, a spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the Ganga in Varanasi, featuring fighter jets, helicopters and other military aircraft showcasing their operational capabilities.
The air show, held at Namo Ghat, was organised to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. It highlighted the force’s precision flying, formation manoeuvres, operational strength and coordination with the Indian Navy and the Indian Army.
The display featured several aircraft, including the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Su-30MKI and Rafale, along with transport and other military aircraft.
The second phase of the programme began with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the Indian Air Force flag in an ‘Omkar’ formation. The formation was led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta, marking the start of another series of aerial manoeuvres.
The show also featured the ‘Bhagirathi’ diamond formation, comprising LCH and Apache helicopters, followed by the ‘Tridev’ formation. The latter brought together the Indian Navy’s Kamov 31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 helicopters from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, highlighting coordination among the three services.
A ceremonial flower shower from the sky added to the spectacle. This was followed by a performance by Rudra aircraft led by Wing Commander S. Bhargava, which carried out a flare display while flying across the sky.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) delivered a precision aerial performance over the Ganga, captivating spectators with its coordinated manoeuvres and tight formations. The team operates nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, which performed a series of signature formations and aerobatic routines.
The display also demonstrated the Indian Air Force’s airlift, surveillance and formation-flying capabilities. Aircraft participating in different formations included the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, MiG-29, P-8I, IL-78, Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI.
The formations, named ‘Freelocean’, ‘Nataraj’, ‘Mahadev’ and ‘Vishwanath’, added to the significance of the event in Varanasi, a city closely associated with the River Ganga and its cultural heritage.
The air show gave spectators an opportunity to witness a wide range of aircraft and aerial manoeuvres, demonstrating the precision, coordination and technical expertise required for large-scale military displays.
A large number of people gathered along the banks of the Ganga to watch the performances, as the aircraft carried out coordinated manoeuvres over the river.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event.
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