A sweeping display of air power lit up the Guwahati skyline on Sunday as the Indian Air Force staged a grand flypast over Lachit Ghat, bringing this year’s Air Force Day celebrations to a dramatic close. Though the ceremonial parade was held at Hindon in October, the IAF shifted its aerial pageant to the Northeast to underline its operational reach and growing strategic focus on the sector.
Senior officers and invited dignitaries watched as nearly 25 aircraft formations roared past the Brahmaputra, drawing crowds along the riverfront. Platforms from bases in Tezpur, Hasimara, Guwahati and neighbouring stations took part, with the line-up ranging from frontline fighters to heavy-lift transports.
The flypast showcased the full spectrum of the IAF’s operational fleet: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29 and the indigenous Tejas, alongside Apache attack helicopters and transport assets such as the C-17 Globemaster, C-130J and An-32. Each formation demonstrated the service’s readiness for rapid deployment and complex joint operations.
Among the most talked-about moments was the ‘Barak’ formation, which brought together the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage and Tejas in a rare four-platform manoeuvre, symbolising the evolution of India’s multirole fighter capability.
Also read: Rafales to lead IAF’s 150-aircraft show in Guwahati
A visible emotional highlight came when an aircraft formation painted the sky in red, a tribute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. The IAF described the segment as a salute to “the success of Operation Sindoor”, adding symbolic heft to an already high-energy display.
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team, flying ALH Mk1s, returned to public performance for the first time since its grounding following an incident in Gujarat. Their carefully choreographed manoeuvres drew loud applause, marking a confident comeback for the unit.
Precision formations such as the Mi-17 ‘Dhwaj’, the Tejas ‘Lachit’ and the Su-30 ‘Trishul’ added depth to the showcase, underlining the IAF’s blend of indigenous capability and established legacy platforms. Each segment emphasised teamwork, coordination and the technical reliability essential for air operations in the eastern theatre.
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