On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir's entry into the Indian Union and the Diamond Jubilee of Air Force Station Jammu, the Indian Air Force and the Government of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir are all set to organise a grand and spectacular air show.
According to an official statement from PRO, the Air Show will be anchored by renowned IAF units, including the world-famous IAF Air Warrior Drill Team, the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving Team, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, the Mi-17 helicopters and the IAF band. The Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft has also been expected to exhibit low-level aerobatics and manoeuvring.
With a capacity of 90 passengers, the event will showcase the scintillating and speculator display of precision flying and performance by nine aircraft team, flying Hawk Mk-132, Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters showcasing the slithering and Small Team Insertion and Extraction techniques, free fall para jumpers and precision drill movements by AWDT.
The SKAT, which is IAF's 52 SQN, was established in 1996, and the team has completed more than 600 displays across the length and breadth of the country and abroad. It is one of the very few aircraft display teams in the world. The IAF's 130 helicopter unit, a resident unit of Jammu, will be showcasing the helicopter operations and IAF's Garud Commandos.
The Air Warrior Drill Team is a platoon-sized formation in the Indian Air Force. It was established in 2004 as the first precision exhibition drill unit of its kind in the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force's 14-member sky diving team is known as Akash Ganga. As seen from the Earth, Akash Ganga can be roughly translated in Hindi as an ancient Hindi name for the Milky Way.
The Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra is a concert band that is part of the IAF Band. The AWSO, formed in June 2002, consists of hand-picked musicians from the seven IAF Bands across the country. The AWSO has participated in numerous events worldwide, including in countries like France, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh.
The teams and air warriors display the IAF's top standards and traditions. Teamwork, exceptional proficiency, and mutual trust are the distinct characteristics of the teams.
The display will show the Indian Air Force's operational capabilities, with the aim of inspiring young people to join the elite service. The event aims to educate the general public about the dangers of flying and how they can aid in safety in aircraft safety.
The display will also be open to the general public, including schools, Air Veterans, Civil dignitaries, and personnel of defence forces and Air Force Station Jammu. Manoj Sinha, a lieutenant governor, is expected to lead the chief guest on the occasion.