Bhopal’s skies came alive on a Saturday morning as the thunderous roar of the IAF Boeing CH-47 Chinook heralded the commencement of the much-anticipated Air Show, marking the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The surroundings were packed to the brim as eager onlookers gathered to witness breath-taking aerial acrobatics performed by cutting-edge combat aircraft, including the formidable Sukhoi-30.
The line-up featured a dazzling array of aircraft, from the Sukhoi-30, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, LCA Tejas, and Hawks, to the impressive fleet of helicopters including Chinook, Mi-17 V5, Chetak, ALH, and formidable transport aircraft such as the C130 and IL-78.
The grand Air Show promised thrilling performances by the Suryakiran Aerobatic team, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the Akash Ganga team. The teams wowed the audience with breath-taking stunts like climbing turns, low passes, loops, barrel rolls, and daring turns. Choppers gracefully soared at an impressive 300 feet, while the transport planes and fighter jets dominated the skies at 800 feet.
Most attendees busily captured the spectacle on their smartphones, preserving the memory of the air show and other aircraft’s impressive manoeuvres. A selfie point, where one could pose wearing an IAF uniform, became a popular attraction.
The show kicked off with a skydiving display from a MI-17 helicopter, with divers proudly clutching the Tricolour in their hands. This was followed by the awe-inspiring sight of two colossal Chinook helicopters hovering just above the lake.
Four Chetak helicopters soared by, proudly carrying the National Flag, followed by the three Surya Kiran planes trailing smoke in the colours of the Indian flag. Three ALH MK III helicopters flew past in Rudra formation, while 3 SU-30s dazzled the skies in Trishul formation.
One IL-78 transport aircraft and two Mirage 2000s demonstrated mid-air refuelling, showcasing the remarkable precision of IAF operations. Other aircrafts, including Jaguar, Tejas, C-130 and AN-32 transport aircraft, contributed to the spectacle.
The Sarang Helicopter Display team etched heart and diamond shapes across the sky, leaving the audience in awe. The show reached its climax with hair-raising aerobatics by a team of nine Surya Kiran Hawk aircraft, executing daring manoeuvres like rolls, loops, barrel rolls, low passes, and climbing turns. In total, a remarkable 60 aircraft graced the event with their presence.
Live commentary provided by a dedicated IAF team, offered insights and context throughout the show. A 15-member team from 4 Air Formation Signals Regiment, Allahabad, ensured seamless signalling and communication support for the event.
The show also drew distinguished guests, with Governor Mangu Bhai Patel serving as the chief guest. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff, graced the event with their presence.