Frontline fighters rev up their engines for air show

Frontline aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) would streak across the skies of the capital city next week as part of an air show put together by the IAF to mark the 30 anniversary celebrations of the Southern Air Command (SAC).

The air show on December 23 and 24 can be seen from Shanghumughom

Fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30s and Jaguars would display their might in a series of combat manoeuvres. The famed ‘Sarang’ helicopters of the IAF would follow with an aerobatic display.

Then it would be the turn of the sky diving team ‘Akash Ganga’ to enthral viewers with their high-adrenalin, high altitude daredevilry.

In addition to all this there would also be a synchronised drill demonstration by the Air Warriors Drill team, Paragliding and a performance by the Air Force Band.

According to a press note issued here, the event will be open to the general public on December 23 and 24 from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Air Force has cautioned against littering the area that will attract birds and thus be a flight safety hazard and use public transport. Vehicles should be parked only in the designated slots.

It was on July 20, 1984, that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, inaugurated the Headquarters of Southern Air Command at ‘Belhaven Palace,’ the former palace of the Maharaja of erstwhile Travancore in Thiruvananthapuram city.

With the increase in strength of personnel and operation importance, the HQ was moved to its current location on August 8, 1996.

Air Marshal A. P. Garud, AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command installed a Time Capsule this year on the occasion of 30th anniversary celebrations of SAC.

The capsule contains details of the activities of SAC and units under its area of responsibility since its inception in 1984, the press note added.