History was made in the Barak Valley this Saturday as the world-renowned ‘Sarang’ Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) performed its first-ever full-scale aerobatic show in the region. The breathtaking performance, featuring five indigenously built HAL Dhruv helicopters, captivated a massive audience, including students from various local schools, at the Air Force Camp adjacent to the Silchar Airport (Kumbhirgram AFS).
A Symphony of Courage and Unity
The Sarang Team, whose name means ‘Peacock’ in Sanskrit, is one of the very few military helicopter display teams globally. The display was a powerful symbol of Indian military prowess, national unity, and the armed forces’ dedication to the citizens.
The five specialized helicopters, painted in a distinctive peacock livery, carved complex and precise formations in the sky, creating a visually stunning spectacle that included:
- Formation Flying: Demonstrating incredible coordination, highlighting the difficulty of precision maneuvering with rotary-wing aircraft.
- Symbolic Formations: The pilots orchestrated formations that conveyed a message of ‘Saurya’ (bravery) and the nation’s integrity.
The display team had previously performed a similar show in Guwahati on November 9, 2025, as part of the Indian Army Day celebrations. Bringing the show to the Barak Valley marks a significant outreach effort by the IAF to connect with the local population of South Assam.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A major focus of the event was inspiring the youth. Following the spectacular aerial show, the students were given the invaluable opportunity to interact with the IAF pilots.
The pilots shared their experiences, offering words of encouragement and motivating the young audience to consider a career of service and adventure in the Indian Armed Forces. The event successfully merged high-octane military display with a powerful message of patriotism and aspiration for the valley’s students.
