IAF to stage grand fly-past over Brahmaputra in Guwahati on November 9

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to present a grand flying display over the Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat, Guwahati, on November 9, marking the 93rd anniversary of the Force.

Preparations are underway as participating aircraft and aerobatic teams arrive in Guwahati for rehearsals and coordination drills.

According to the Defence public relations office in Guwahati, the flying display will be conducted from 1100 hrs to 1400 hrs on November 8 and 9, allowing citizens to witness the aerial spectacle from both the northern and southern banks of the river. The lineup will include a range of IAF platforms, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Rafale, and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).

This year’s Air Force Day celebrations revolve around the theme “Infallible, Impervious and Precise”, symbolising the IAF’s focus on operational capability, resilience and precision.

The fly-past is expected to be a landmark event, with nearly 60 aircraft, including Sukhoi, Rafale, Mirage and Apache helicopters, flying in formations named after sites in the Northeast — such as Lachit, Kaziranga, Manas, Elephant and Barak.

LCA Tejas will open the display with the call sign “Lachit”, paying tribute to Assamese military leader Lachit Barphukan, while the Apache fleet will fly with the call sign “Rhinoceros”, reflecting the region’s wildlife.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the event. Seven major airbases across Assam and West Bengal, including Guwahati, Tezpur, Hasimara and Bagdogra, have been placed on operational alert.

A NOTAM has been issued for the duration of the air show.

The IAF flying display in Guwahati is expected to draw significant public participation, encourage youth to consider careers in the armed forces, and celebrate the service’s legacy. Further details on viewing arrangements and traffic advisories will be issued through official IAF social media handles and local media platforms.