The skies above the mighty Brahmaputra turned into a breathtaking spectacle on Sunday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted a full-scale air show at Lachit Ghat, Guwahati, marking the 93rd Indian Air Force Day. The event — the first-ever IAF air show in the Northeast — drew massive crowds who watched in awe as fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters performed dazzling aerial manoeuvres over the riverfront.
The grand celebration was graced by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya as the chief guest, along with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Marshal Surat Singh (Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command), senior IAF officials, and Assam’s first woman pilot Dhira Chaliha Hazarika.
This year’s theme, “Infallible, Impervious and Precise,” echoed through the skies as over 75 aircraft and helicopters from seven air bases — Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Chabua, Hasimara, Bagdogra, and Panagarh — executed more than 25 formations and aerial displays between 12 pm and 2 pm. Each formation celebrated the heritage and geography of the Northeast, with symbolic names like Lachit, Kaziranga, Manas, Barak, and Haati (Elephant).
The show opened with the LCA Tejas, flying under the call sign “Lachit,” paying tribute to the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. The lineup featured India’s most advanced aircraft, including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage, Jaguar, Apache, C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules, IL-78 refueller, Antonov AN-32, C-295, and Advanced Light Helicopter Prachand, reflecting the IAF’s formidable strength.
Thunderous cheers erupted as the Rafale jets performed supersonic low-level passes, followed by jaw-dropping aerobatics by the Sukhoi-30 MKI and vintage Harvard aircraft. One of the standout moments was the Operation Sindoor formation, symbolizing courage and sacrifice.
The highlight came when the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team took center stage. Entering from the Umananda Temple side, the Surya Kirans painted the sky in tricolour smoke, performing synchronized loops, a DNA helix, and the signature Trishul formation representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In a touching gesture, the pilots drew a heart pierced by an arrow, dedicating it to the people of Guwahati before concluding with a grand Tricolour salute.
The event concluded with a powerful performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team “Arjun,” where 28 air warriors showcased precision rifle drills and combat formations. As a tribute to Assam’s rich culture, the ceremony ended with a musical homage to Zubeen Garg, with his song “Ya Ali” echoing across the Brahmaputra.
Spectators thronged the riverbanks under the afternoon sun, capturing the once-in-a-lifetime experience. A Defence spokesperson said the air show aimed to inspire youth, celebrate the IAF’s legacy, and foster closer engagement between the armed forces and citizens.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Northeast’s growing strategic importance. He said, “The Northeast is no longer a remote region. It reflects India’s expanding focus on connectivity, infrastructure, and national security.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressing pride on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:
“Glimpses from a memorable #FlyingDisplay2025. Never imagined we would ever get to witness this in Guwahati. Thank you, @IAF_MCC.”
In another post, Dr. Sarma lauded the event, stating, “Thank you, Guwahati, for turning out in full strength to witness the spectacular @IAF_MCC #FlyingDisplay2025! The Northeast’s first-ever air show was indeed a breathtaking show of strength, skill, and spirit. Your overwhelming support for Bharat’s Air Warriors—so close to the Chicken Neck and four international borders—will give sleepless nights to enemies inside and outside the country.”
The Guwahati air show not only celebrated the bravery and precision of India’s air warriors but also marked a historic moment for the Northeast, symbolizing the region’s growing role in India’s defence and development vision.
