PM Modi Witnesses IAF’s ‘Wings Over Ganges’ Air Show In Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ‘Wings Over Ganges’ aerial display at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Sunday.

The spectacular show over the River Ganga featured fighter jets, helicopters and coordinated aerial manoeuvres, highlighting the force’s operational capabilities and precision flying.

The event marked the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary and brought together several aircraft to demonstrate its strength, technical expertise and coordination.

The display featured the Tejas, Rafale, Su-30MKI and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, alongside transport and other military aircraft.

Varanasi air show…Magnificent! https://t.co/nc1c5psdt8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2026

The second phase began with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the Indian Air Force flag in an ‘Omkar’ formation. Group Captain Anuj Gupta led the formation, setting the stage for further aerial manoeuvres.

The programme also featured the ‘Bhagirathi’ diamond formation, involving LCH and Apache helicopters, followed by the ‘Tridev’ formation. The latter showcased coordination among the three armed services, bringing together the Indian Navy’s Kamov 31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 aircraft from the Air Force and Army.

The display included an aerial flower shower, followed by a flare performance by Rudra aircraft led by Wing Commander S Bhargava.

The Surya Kiran team impressed spectators with aerobatic manoeuvres using nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft. Other aircraft showcased formation-flying capabilities in displays named ‘Freelocean’, ‘Nataraj’, ‘Mahadev’ and ‘Vishwanath’.

Large crowds gathered along the Ganga to watch the show. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attended.

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