The 93rd Air Force Day was recently celebrated in Guwahati which witnessed the indomitable spirit of Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, including the renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. The first-of-its-kind event in the North East organised at Lachit Ghat in the city drew a massive crowd as fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters performed stunning aerial manoeuvres over the riverfront, leaving thousands of spectators spellbound.
Nearly 60 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage, Tejas (LCA) and Apache helicopters performed at the event. The fly-past includes formations named after North East landmarks, such as Lachit, Kaziranga, Manas, Elephant (Haati) and Barak.
The LCA Tejas, flying under the call sign Lachit opened the show, honouring Assam’s legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. Further, the display lineup included Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage, Jaguar, Apache, C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules, IL-78 refueller, Antonov AN-32, C-295, and Advanced Light Helicopter Prachand.
In a heartfelt gesture, the pilots also traced a heart pierced by an arrow in the sky, dedicating it to the people of Guwahati before concluding with a grand Tricolour aerial salute.
The event also gave a musical tribute to icon Zubeen Garg with his timeless creations echoing over the riverfront.
A defence spokesperson informed the media that the air show aimed to inspire youth, honour the IAF’s legacy, and strengthen public engagement with the Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said, “North East is no longer a remote region, reflecting India’s growing strategic focus and infrastructure development in the frontier States.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma posted in X, “Thank you, Guwahati, for turning out in full strength to witness the spectacular Indian Airforce Flying Display 2025! The Northeast’s first ever air show was indeed a breathtaking show of strength, skill & spirit. Your overwhelming support for Bharat’s Air Warriors—so close to the Chicken Neck and four international borders—will give sleepless nights to enemies inside and outside the country.
From being nearly abandoned during the 1962 war to sending such a powerful message of aerial dominance, the North East has come a long way under the visionary leadership of Adarniya Narendra Modi ji”
Governor Lakshmanan Prasad Acharya mentioned in social media, “On the occasion of the 93rd Indian Air Force Day today, witnessing the extraordinary capability and valour of the Air Force on the sacred banks of the Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat filled my heart with pride. The immense power of the C-17 reverberating in the sky, the flight of the indigenous Tejas, the speed of the Mirage 2000, and the precision of the Rafale showcased a grand display of India’s strength and confidence. This spectacle instills pride, security, and patriotism in the heart of every Indian. The Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh graced the occasion with their presence.”
Speaking to Asom Barta, a spectator Sanghamitra Goswami said, “I have only watched air shows on television. But that day, along with my younger sister and cousin, I was standing on the banks of the Brahmaputra and watching these jets roar across our own sky.”
She added that emotions can hardly be put into words, “The sound, the speed, the precision of each formation felt like a moment of history unfolding right before our eyes.”
Sharing her experience she said, “When the Tejas flew in as Lachit, it gave me goose bumps. It felt like the spirit of our land was soaring with it. And when the pilots traced that heart in the sky many around me had tears in their eyes. I realised then that this was more than an air show; it was a moment of pride, unity, and connection with our armed forces. Seeing the Rafale, the Sukhoi, and all those mighty aircraft so close, performing just above us, filled me with awe. The day will remain etched to my heart forever.”
