Jammu, Sept 22: In a grand celebration of the 76th anniversary of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union and the Diamond Jubilee of Air Force Station, Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha graced an extraordinary Air Show and Air Awareness Campaign today.
This remarkable air show, jointly organised by the IAF, J&K Government, Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, and the Tourism Department, left spectators in awe of the strength and dedication of the Indian Air Force personnel.
“I salute the Indian Air Force personnel for their magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice. My deepest gratitude to the Air Warriors and their families,” said the Lieutenant Governor, acknowledging the bravery of the IAF.
Citizens from all walks of life gathered to witness the thrilling aerial display, featuring the IAF’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Air Warrior Drill team, the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving team, and the Mi-17 1V Helicopters. The aircraft performed intricate maneuvers in the sky, while the Air Warriors demonstrated their flying and formation skills with precision.
This unique event also served as an educational platform for the general public, sensitizing them to aviation hazards and ways they can contribute to aviation safety, making it the first-of-its-kind Air Show in Jammu.
Later in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated defence personnel and members of the Aerobatic and Skydiving teams to mark this momentous occasion.
Among the dignitaries present were Air Vice Marshal PK Vohra, AOC J&K, Ladakh; Air Commodore SS Rawat, AOC, Air Force Station, Jammu; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt. Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; BR Sharma, State Election Commissioner J&K; senior officers of IAF, Civil and Police Administration, and the Army.
Local representatives, including Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Jammu, ULB & PRI representatives, prominent citizens, and a large number of local residents, were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, despite some interference from rain, which forced the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team to cut short its maneuvers by around 15 minutes, the spectacular air show drew applause from thousands of spectators, including residents, students from various schools in Jammu, veterans, civil dignitaries, and personnel from Defence Forces and CAPFs.
The event commenced with a mesmerizing free fall display by the Akashganga Daredevil Skydiving team, who descended with the Indian Flag and the IAF flag, captivating the audience.
The 14-member Akash Ganga skydiving team’s touchdown was a highlight, met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The program also featured displays of slithering and Small Team Insertion and Extraction techniques by the IAF Garuda Commando team through Mi-17 1V Medium Lift Helicopters. Simultaneously, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team took to the skies, delivering an awe-inspiring aerial display, greatly applauded by the audience.
The grand finale of the event showcased precision drill movements by the Air Warrior Drill Team “Subroto” (AWDT), with the leader marching through spinning rifles, enthralling the spectators. Throughout the event, the Air Force Band played melodious and martial tunes, adding to the patriotic fervor.
“The display showcased the operational capability of the Indian Air Force with an aim to motivate youth to join the elite service,” stated Suneel Bartwal, the Jammu-based Defence PRO.
This exceptional event not only celebrated a historic milestone but also aimed to raise awareness about aviation hazards and encourage public participation in aviation safety.
