As part of the 91st anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force, an air display was conducted today over Umiam Lake.
The display, which also served as an outreach initiative of the Eastern Air Command, comprised formation flying of the Advanced Light Helicopter, Dornier turboprops, Rafale and Sukhoi Su 30 fighters. The mighty Chinook transport helicopters also enthralled the crowd by hovering low over the water.
The flying teams had to modify their aircraft’s profile suitably to adapt to the elevation in Umiam. This air show was held a week after a similar one in Guwahati.
The aircraft carried out formation flying and other aerial manoeuvers demonstrating exceptional flying skills and professionalism. The grand finale was the helicopter formation flying display by the world renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
IAF officers explained that the air show was a demonstration of indigeneity (the helicopters and Dorniers are built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) as well as the air force’s might.
Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Eastern Air Command, was the chief guest. The display was witnessed by a large crowd comprising civil, state and defence dignitaries, children, and the general public. The show was an immaculate display of flying skill, precision and professionalism.
Air Marshal Dharkar said that one of the benefits of air shows such as this one is that they will motivate the youth of Meghalaya to join the IAF.
“I hope that air shows like this will further motivate them (youths) to join us (IAF) … We find that Meghalaya has a large number of youths who are interested in the services, especially in the Air Force,” Dharkar told reporters.
