‘Wings Over Ganges’: IAF showcases indigenous air power and tri-service jointness at Varanasi Air Show

By Aroonim Bhuyan

Varanasi. Nearly 100 aircraft from 12 air bases, six frontline fighter types in a landmark arrowhead formation, and aerobatic displays by the Surya Kiran and Sarang teams marked the Indian Air Force’s 94th-anniversary celebrations over the Ganga from October 22 to 25.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) staged a spectacular aerial display over the Ganga at Varanasi from October 22 to 25, bringing together frontline fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, strategic transport platforms and elite aerobatic teams in a showcase of India’s military aviation capabilities.

Organised by the IAF’s Central Air Command under the theme ‘Wings Over Ganges’, the event marked 94 years of the service and highlighted its operational capabilities, growing emphasis on indigenous defence technology and the importance of coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. Held at Namo Ghat, the display was the first IAF aerial show over the Ganga in Varanasi and culminated on October 25 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending as the chief guest.

The spectacle brought together approximately 100 aircraft – 52 fighter aircraft, 32 helicopters and 15 transport aircraft, along with a heritage aircraft. The platforms came from 12 air bases across the country, with aircraft from the Indian Army and Indian Navy also participating. Beyond the visual spectacle, the programme presented a broad picture of modern air power, encompassing air combat, surveillance, aerial refuelling, tactical and strategic transport, and coordinated operations across the three services.

The concluding day’s event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and senior military officers. Modi described the display as “Magnificent!” in a post on X. The occasion also served as a public outreach initiative, intended to familiarise citizens with the IAF’s capabilities and encourage young Indians to consider careers in the armed forces.

Six frontline fighter types in a landmark arrowhead formation

One of the most striking highlights of ‘Wings Over Ganges’ was the formation of six frontline fighter types – the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, Tejas and MiG-29 – in a single arrowhead. This was the first time these six aircraft types had flown together in such a formation during a public IAF display.

The French-origin Rafale is a modern multirole fighter equipped for air superiority, precision strikes and complex missions involving advanced sensors and electronic warfare. The Russian-origin Su-30MKI provides long-range reach, substantial weapons-carrying capacity and multirole combat capability.

The Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 remain important components of the IAF’s combat fleet, while the Jaguar has traditionally served as a deep-penetration strike aircraft. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas represents India’s effort to develop and manufacture modern combat aircraft domestically.

The six-aircraft formation was significant not merely because of its visual impact, but because it brought together different generations and categories of fighter aircraft in a single coordinated display. It demonstrated the pilots’ formation-flying skills while highlighting the breadth of the IAF’s combat aviation capabilities.

The event also featured a simulated combat sequence involving Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft, adding an operational dimension to the programme. Such demonstrations offer spectators an insight into aircraft manoeuvrability and tactical coordination, although they are not substitutes for combat exercises or operational-readiness assessments.

Indigenous Tejas and Prachand underline defence self-reliance

The participation of Tejas and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand gave the show particular relevance amid India’s drive towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) in defence production.

Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tejas represents a long-term effort to establish Indian expertise in the design, development and manufacture of combat aircraft. The programme has contributed to domestic capabilities in airframe design, flight-control systems, avionics and aerospace engineering.

The Prachand, also developed by HAL, is designed for combat operations in demanding environments, including high-altitude terrain. Its presence highlighted the importance of developing platforms suited to India’s distinctive geographical and security requirements.

Indigenous aerospace programmes offer benefits beyond reducing reliance on imports. They can strengthen domestic supply chains, support specialised manufacturers, create skilled employment and provide opportunities to develop technologies that can be upgraded over time.

However, self-reliance remains a continuing process. Advanced combat aviation requires dependable engines, sophisticated sensors, electronic warfare systems, weapons integration and high-quality production facilities. Indigenous platforms must therefore be supported by sustained research, industrial investment and timely delivery programmes.

The Varanasi show placed these domestic platforms alongside foreign-origin aircraft that continue to play important roles in the IAF. This reflected the practical challenge of modernising the fleet while progressively expanding India’s own aerospace capabilities.

Surya Kiran and Sarang provide the aerial spectacle

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team were among the most anticipated attractions of the programme, demonstrating precision flying through synchronised manoeuvres and carefully coordinated formations.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, flying Hawk Mk-132 jet trainers, performed aerobatic routines featuring close formations, loops, rolls and other demanding manoeuvres. The team’s use of smoke in the colours of the Indian national flag added a ceremonial dimension to its performance.

Flying in close formation requires exceptional concentration, disciplined execution and precise control of speed, altitude and aircraft separation. Although aerobatic flying is different from combat operations, the display demonstrates the professionalism and flying skills developed through rigorous training.

The Sarang Helicopter Display Team, operating the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, showcased the agility of rotary-wing aircraft. Its performances involved coordinated manoeuvres that highlighted the handling characteristics of helicopters and the importance of close cooperation among pilots.

Together, the two teams illustrated different dimensions of military aviation: high-speed precision flying by jet aircraft and tightly coordinated manoeuvres by helicopters. Their performances also helped make the event accessible to a wider audience, particularly young people interested in aviation and careers in the armed forces.

Special formations blend military aviation with Varanasi’s heritage

A distinctive feature of ‘Wings Over Ganges’ was the use of formation names drawn from Varanasi’s cultural, religious and geographical identity. The programme included formations such as ‘Kashi’, ‘Varun’, ‘Kedar’, ‘Hanuman’, ‘Omkar’, ‘Rudra’ and ‘Bhagirathi’.

The ‘Kashi’ formation featured three Kiran trainer aircraft flying in a V-shaped arrangement, displaying the colours of the national flag. In the ‘Omkar’ formation, Mi-17 helicopters carried the Tricolour and the Air Force flag, combining ceremonial imagery with coordinated flying.

Another highlight was the ‘Tridev’ formation, which brought together helicopters from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and IAF. The formation featured the Navy’s Kamov-31 helicopter, an IAF Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III and an Army ALH Mk-III.

These formations gave the programme a distinct identity. Instead of presenting a conventional flypast alone, the IAF connected its aerial manoeuvres with the history and symbolism of the city hosting the event.

The setting above the Ganga added to the spectacle, allowing the aircraft and helicopters to be viewed against the riverfront and the ghats. The result was a combination of military precision and cultural symbolism that distinguished the event from a conventional air-base display.

Army-Navy-Air Force participation highlights jointness

The participation of aircraft from the Indian Army and Indian Navy alongside those of the Air Force underscored the growing importance of jointness in India’s defence planning.

The Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the programme, flying in a formation with Mirage 2000 fighters. The P-8I performs maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions, contributing to India’s ability to monitor activity across its maritime approaches.

The different platforms illustrated how the three services contribute complementary capabilities. The Army’s aviation assets support operations involving ground forces, the Navy operates aircraft and helicopters for maritime missions, and the IAF provides combat aviation, air defence, transport and other support capabilities.

In modern warfare, these capabilities must increasingly work together. Surveillance information, communications, intelligence and command arrangements need to be coordinated so that commanders can deploy the appropriate assets at the right time.

The ‘Tridev’ formation offered a visible illustration of inter-service cooperation, although the wider process of jointness also requires integrated planning, compatible communications, clearly defined command responsibilities and coordinated training.

The broader significance is that India’s security challenges extend across land borders, maritime approaches and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Closer cooperation among the armed services can help improve situational awareness, logistics and the effective use of military resources.

Transport aircraft, surveillance platforms demonstrate operational reach

The display included transport aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, C-295 and AN-32, alongside platforms that support surveillance and aerial refuelling.

These aircraft perform functions that are essential to the effectiveness of a modern air force but may receive less public attention than fighter jets.

• C-17 Globemaster III: Provides strategic airlift capacity for moving personnel and heavy equipment over long distances.
• C-130J Super Hercules: Supports tactical transport and operations requiring flexibility in the use of airfields.
• C-295: Represents a newer generation of tactical transport aircraft and an important element of India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions.
• AN-32: Has long supported tactical transport and logistical operations, including in difficult terrain.
• IL-78 tanker: Provides aerial refuelling capability, extending the endurance and operational reach of compatible aircraft.
• Airborne Early Warning and Control platforms: Help detect and track aerial activity, improving situational awareness for commanders.

The inclusion of these assets broadened the message of the show. Modern air power depends not only on aircraft capable of engaging an adversary, but also on the surveillance, logistics and support systems that enable combat platforms to operate effectively.

Public outreach and a major logistical undertaking

The IAF described the event as an opportunity to showcase its capabilities and encourage young Indians to consider careers in the armed forces. Air Vice Marshal PVS Narayana highlighted public outreach and recruitment inspiration among the objectives of the programme.

The scale of the event required substantial arrangements for security, traffic management and crowd control. According to reports, around 11,900 personnel were deployed, with the city divided into zones and sectors to facilitate security and crowd management.

The display was held on October 22, 24 and 25, with no show on October 23 because of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. The final day’s programme was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by senior political and military leaders.

The venue was also significant. Varanasi is known for its historic riverfront and religious heritage, making it a prominent setting for an event designed to connect the armed forces with the public. The aerial display provided an opportunity to explain the technological sophistication, training and coordination required to operate a modern air force.

A celebration of heritage and modern military capability

‘Wings Over Ganges’ brought together the Indian Air Force’s frontline combat aircraft, indigenous platforms, transport and surveillance assets, and specialist aerobatic teams in a distinctive setting over the Ganga. The six-fighter arrowhead formation, the performances by Surya Kiran and Sarang, and the participation of Army and Navy aircraft were among the event’s principal highlights.

The show also reflected wider priorities in India’s defence policy: strengthening indigenous manufacturing, maintaining a diverse and capable combat fleet, and improving coordination among the three services.

While an aerial display cannot by itself establish an air force’s combat readiness, it can demonstrate the range of aircraft, flying skills and support capabilities that contribute to military effectiveness. For the public, the event offered a rare opportunity to see those capabilities in action.

Ultimately, the Varanasi air show was both a celebration of the IAF’s 94-year history and a public demonstration of India’s evolving air power. By combining advanced military aviation with the cultural symbolism of the Ganga, ‘Wings Over Ganges’ presented a compelling portrait of a service balancing its institutional heritage with the demands of modern national defence.