100 IAF aircraft, including 52 fighter jets, to take part in massive aerial display over Ganga

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy an array of fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters for a series of aerial displays over the Ganga in Varanasi for three days. The events on October 22, 24 and 25 will feature Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighters.

A total of 100 aircraft are expected to participate in the event, titled 'Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026', under the theme 'Wings Over Ganges'. According to IAF officials, the lineup includes 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft and 32 helicopters.

The aerial displays will take place at the iconic Namo Ghat, showcasing the IAF's combat capabilities, modern aircraft, flying skills and operational coordination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the programme on October 25.

Apart from fighter jets, the event will feature transport and surveillance aircraft, including the C-130, C-295, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32.

The IAF's Suryakiran aerobatic team will be among the major attractions, performing aerial manoeuvres over the Ganga.

According to officials, a formation of nine Hawk aircraft following a C-17 Globemaster-led flight will precede the Suryakiran team's display.

The IAF has planned several specially designed aerial formations to demonstrate precision flying, coordination and operational capabilities. These formations have been named 'Kashi', 'Varun', 'Kedar', 'Hanuman', 'Omkar', 'Rudra' and 'Bhagirathi'.

The 'Kashi' formation will feature three Kiran aircraft flying in a V-shaped formation, while the 'Varun' formation will comprise three Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III helicopters.

Another attraction will be the 'Omkar' formation, featuring three Mi-17 helicopters carrying the national flag and showering flower petals.

The displays will also include formations involving Chinook helicopters, Dornier aircraft, C-130 transport aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and MiG-29 fighter jets.

These aircraft will demonstrate the range of platforms operated by the IAF, from combat jets and transport aircraft to helicopters and airborne surveillance systems.

Besides, a special joint-services formation named 'Tridev' will bring together helicopters from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The formation will feature the Indian Navy's Kamov-31 helicopter, an IAF ALH Mk-III and an Army ALH Mk-III.

According to officials, the formation is intended to demonstrate coordination among the three armed services.

The aerial displays will also highlight the IAF's professional expertise, technological capabilities and growing emphasis on indigenous defence technology under the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The event will showcase the force's heritage and modern air power while underlining its commitment to national security.