Context:
• As part of its 93rd Anniversary celebrations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased a spectacular flying display on 09 November 2025 over the Brahmaputra River at Guwahati.
• This is the first-ever full-scale Air Show organised in Guwahati / Northeastern region by Eastern Air Command.
Key Highlights – Aircraft Line-Up / Operational Bases / Theme / Youth Inspiration
• Theme for IAF anniversary celebrations:
“Infallible, Impervious and Precise” – “अचूक, अभेद्य व सटीक”.
• Flying display showcased wide array of fighter / transport / helicopters — over 75 aircraft in more than 25 formations.
• Aircraft included:
– Rafale, Sukhoi-30, Tejas, Apache, C-295, Hawks, MIG-29, Mirage, Jaguar, IL-78 refueler, C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules, Antonov AN-32, MI-17, ALH-MK1
• Harvard, Sukhoi-30 & Rafale demonstrated low-level aerobatics.
• Display concluded with synchronised manoeuvres by the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team & Sarang helicopter display team.
• Air display also carried a cultural tribute element → homage to Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg (song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut”).
• Operations were flown from seven air bases:
– Guwahati
– Tezpur
– Jorhat
– Chabua
– Hasimara
– Bagdogra
– Panagarh
• Display left a strong impression on youth of Northeast → inspired careers in IAF.
Way Forward:
• expand Northeast-based aerospace outreach & STEM programmes; scale youth cadet pathways; develop Guwahati as periodic airpower communications hub.
UPSC Relevance:
GS3 – Defence, National Security, Airpower modernisation, Eastern Air Command role in strategic balancing, Northeastern frontier strategic signalling.