Historic Air Show in Guwahati Showcases IAF's Mighty Prowess
In a spectacular display of aerial might, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted its first-ever full-scale air show in the northeastern region of India. The grand event, held in Guwahati on Sunday, left spectators in awe and sent a powerful strategic message, as highlighted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He stated that this demonstration of air power, held near the crucial "Chicken's Neck corridor," is poised to give "sleepless nights" to the nation's adversaries.
A Breathtaking Display of Skill and Technology
The skies over Guwahati's Lachit Ghat were painted with vibrant colours and filled with the thunderous roar of advanced aircraft. The event, part of the IAF's 93rd-anniversary celebrations, featured an impressive lineup that included the multirole Rafale and the indigenous Tejas fighter jets. The audience was captivated by the precision and daring of the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team and the Sarang helicopter display team.
The show comprised about 25 different formations, showcasing a diverse fleet. Key highlights included the Apache attack helicopter, the C-295 transport aircraft, and Hawk trainer jets. The event also featured breathtaking low-level aerobatics by the Sukhoi 30 and the Rafale, culminating in a synchronised performance that symbolised the IAF's resilience and technical advancement.
A Strategic Message from a Sensitive Location
The choice of location for this air show was highly significant. Guwahati serves as the gateway to the Northeast, and the event was staged close to the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow 22-km wide strip of land critically connecting the northeastern states to mainland India. Chief Minister Sarma took to his X handle to emphasize this point, noting that the overwhelming support for India's "Air Warriors" so close to this strategic chokepoint and four international borders sends an unmistakable signal to enemies both inside and outside the country.
He reflected on the region's transformation, remarking that the Northeast has progressed from being "nearly abandoned" during the 1962 war to now projecting a powerful message of aerial dominance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was unable to attend due to election campaign commitments in Bihar, the event was graced by the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, informed the media that all eight Advanced Landing Grounds in Arunachal Pradesh are now fully operational, further bolstering India's defensive posture in the region.
The air show not only served as a public spectacle but also as a recruitment drive, with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh encouraging the youth of the northeast to join the armed forces. Aircraft for the display flew in from various air bases across eastern India, including Tezpur, Hasimara, Guwahati, Chabua, Bagdogra, and Panagarh, demonstrating the IAF's extensive reach and operational readiness.
