The Indian Air Force celebrated its 92nd anniversary on October 6 with a breathtaking air show that captivated a large number of audience members, estimated to be 15 lakh, at Marina Beach in Chennai, according to a Ministry of Defence statement on Sunday.
The event’s Chief Guest was MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, was joined by senior officers from the Defence Forces and dignitaries from both the state and federal governments for this historic occasion.
The IAF’s display of strength and skill exemplified this year’s theme, Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant). IAF pilots performed spectacular aerial maneuvers over Chennai, demonstrating unrivaled flying prowess. According to the statement, the air show demonstrated the Indian Air Force’s unwavering strength and spirit, echoing its motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
The event highlighted the IAF’s transformative journey to become a modern and powerful force. It featured a variety of aircraft, including cutting-edge fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. The flypast of indigenous projects Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) represented the nation’s path toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). The audience was awestruck by the Sukhoi-30 MKI’s low-level aerobatics, which demonstrated the highest level of professionalism among IAF pilots, according to the statement.
The Suryakiran and Sarang Aerobatic Teams wowed the audience with their stunning performances in the grand finale. The air show was more than just a demonstration of aerial prowess; it was also a powerful reminder of India’s capability, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to self-reliance. Two people died during an IAF air show at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
At least two people died at the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airshow at Marina Beach in Chennai, with doctors reporting that at least one of them suffered from heat stroke, according to police. “Nearly a dozen people swooned on the Marina due to a near stampede-like situation and because of the hot weather, and they were treated at a government facility,” a high-ranking police official said.
The police had to intervene to clear the traffic so that three ambulances could reach the hospital, he explained.
Two people became ill while returning home; one died at the government hospital, and another died near his bike on Anna Salai. According to the official, nearly 35 people have been admitted to hospitals with symptoms of dehydration.
Traffic snarls also affected the arterial roads from Marina that connect various parts of the city, with vehicles remaining stationary for several minutes at a time. Traffic snarls also affected the arterial roads from Marina that connect various parts of the city, with vehicles remaining stationary for several minutes at a time.
