South Western Air Command (SWAC) kick started the celebrations of the 87th Indian Air Force Day with a mesmerizing Air Show at Vadodara’s Harni airfield.
In a run up to the momentous occasion that falls on the 8th of Oct, exciting and colourful display of aerobatics was performed by the Sarang Team, sky diving by Aakash Ganga Team, formation flying by Fighter Aircraft, slithering and assault landing by Garuds.
The Aakash Ganga Team commenced the celebration with Paratroopers diving from 8000 ft at a steady speed of 120 miles per hour. They performed freehand aerobatic drills midair before opening the parachutes for precise landing. Thereafter, the underlying theme of ‘Know Your Air Force’ at the celebration saw the IAF elite Special Operations ‘Garud’ Commandos conduct Engine Running Operations from an AN-32 aircraft and slithering operations from a helicopter.
The main attraction of the event was the aerobatic display by the Sarang Team, wherein they performed a synchronized aerial ballet of four brightly painted helicopters drawing comparisons with the graceful peacock.
The show was visited nearly 6500 visitors, who wholeheartedly cheered for the brilliant display by the Air Force. The crowd included students from schools and colleges, NCC cadets of Vadodara, Army personnel, NDRF, Police and District Administration with family.
The Air Show gave the youth of Vadodara a motivating exposure to life and work at IAF and National Security. They were made aware of the various career opportunities in the Indian Air Force and also interacted with service personnel.