Jammu, Sep 22: Braving erratic weather conditions and dark clouds, the much anticipated and internationally acclaimed Surya Kiran Team of Indian Air Force enthralled the audience at Air Force Station, Jammu on Friday as the atmosphere was filled with patriotism amidst the chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind’.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who attended the Air show and Air Awareness Campaign as Chief Guest lauded the forces and stated that the Indian Air Force is a glowing symbol of strength, bravery and dedication.
“Indian Air Force is a glowing symbol of strength, bravery and dedication. 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,” the Lt Governor said.
The Surya Kiran Team of nine advanced BAe Hawk MK 132 aircraft of the Indian Air Force mesmerised and won the hearts of the people with their acrobatics formations and unique maneuvering in the sky.
The aircraft also showcased their combat capability at the Jammu Air Force Station. The SKAT display included flying very low flying in various formations like the Diamond, Tejas, Aero, Thunderbolt and Yankee-Y, which is dedicated to youth.
The perfect crosses and the breath-taking manoeuvres executed by the pilots were definitely a treat to the eyes. Some scheduled aerobatic displays, however, had to be cancelled owing to bad weather and low visibility in Jammu. Despite the bad weather, the Air Force pilots proved mettle by hovering flying machines in the sky that thrilled the spectators. A breathtaking para-jumping performance was given by nine bravehearts of the IAF. However, the Air Show that was scheduled to end at 11:30 am was cut short by 30 minutes because of rains and winds but the audience tried to capture each and every moment on their cell phones.
The first of its kind air show was organized to commemorate 76 years of accession of J&K into Indian Union and the Diamond Jubilee of Air Force Station Jammu. The residential areas surrounding the Technical Airport Jammu witnessed huge rush on the rooftops as people watched the amazing flying machines performing in the sky. The young and the old were also motivated with the show and desired to become fighter plane pilots after watching the Surya Kiran team enthralled the audience.
During the air show, the Akash Ganga team of the Air Force demonstrated stunts by para jumping under the leadership of Group Captain Kunwar Bhawani Singh while Garud Commandos demonstrated the actions taken during war and combat operations. Tight security arrangements were made around the venue while traffic advisory was also issued for the general public.
Earlier, the show commence with arrival of Chief Guest escorted by the formation of three M-17 helicopters. Air Vice Marshal Praveen Keshav Vohra, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh and Air Commodore S S Rawat, AOC 23 Wing, AF received the chief guest at Air Force Station Jammu. The event started with the National Anthem and salute by three MI-17 1V helicopters—(KNO)
