The skies above the majestic Brahmaputra River roared with power and precision on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted its 93rd Air Force Day celebrations in Guwahati, Assam. This historic Flying Display 2025 marked the first-ever full-scale Air Force Day event to be held in the strategically vital Northeast, drawing massive crowds to the banks of Lachit Ghat and delivering a powerful message of aerial dominance.
🚀 Northeast’s First Full-Scale Air Show: A Breathtaking Display
The spectacular one-and-a-half-hour air show, held between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, was a visual symphony of the nation’s air power. Spectators witnessed approximately 75 aircraft flying in over 25 meticulously coordinated formations, operating from seven major airbases across the Eastern Air Command region.
The event, which was graced by the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, underscored the IAF’s theme for the year: “Infallible, Impervious and Precise” (अचूक, अभेद्य व सटीक).
🌟 Rafale, Tejas, and Suryakiran: The Star Lineup
The fly-past showcased the entire spectrum of the IAF’s modern fleet, thrilling the thousands gathered along the riverfront. Key highlights included:
Frontline Fighters: The dazzling speed and agility of the French-origin Rafale and the Russian-made Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, along with the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar.
Indigenous Pride: The LCA Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft) and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, symbolising India’s push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
Aerobatic Excellence: The breathtaking, synchronised manoeuvres of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and the vibrant formation flying of the Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
Transport Giants: The aerial might of the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, and the strategic IL-78 refueler.
🗺️ A Tribute to Northeast Heroes and Heritage
In a special tribute to the region, the formations were named after iconic Northeastern landmarks and figures:
‘Lachit’ Formation: Led by the indigenous LCA Tejas, honouring the legendary Ahom General Lachit Borphukan.
‘Rhinoceros’ Formation: Performed by the powerful Apache attack helicopters, paying homage to Assam’s famous one-horned rhino.
Other formations were named Kaziranga, Manas, and Barak, seamlessly blending regional pride with military prowess.
🗣️ CM Sarma: A Message of Strength to Enemies
The air show, strategically held close to the sensitive ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor, sent a powerful geopolitical message. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media after the display, stating, “Your overwhelming support for Bharat’s Air Warriors—so close to the Chicken’s Neck and four international borders—will give sleepless nights to enemies inside and outside the country.”
🤝 Inspiring the Next Generation of Air Warriors
Beyond the display of firepower, the event achieved its core objective of public engagement. Thousands of school students and NCC cadets were invited to special viewing areas, with the spectacle aimed at inspiring the youth of the Northeast to pursue a career in the Indian Air Force. The seamless coordination of the ‘Men and Women in Blue’ instilled a profound sense of national pride and patriotism across the region.
