Indian Air Force turns 77

IAF turned 77 today with an elaborate parade and aerobatics display. The event commenced with a hang glider show after which flag bearing sky divers of Akash Ganga team dropped out of an AN-32 transporter.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) turned 77 on Thursday with an elaborate parade and aerobatics display.

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The event commenced with a hang glider show after which flag bearing sky divers of Akash Ganga team dropped out of an AN-32 transporter.

The commencement of the parade involved three Mi-17 helicopters, three Mi-25/Mi-35 helicopters, a Dornier aircraft, two Avro and two AN-32 aircraft.

On view for the first time was the newly acquired Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft, escorted by two SU-30 MKI.

The fighter flypast was led by three Jaguars, three Mig-21 Bison, Mig-29 Baaz, Mirage 2000 Vajra aircraft and a SU-30 MKI combat aircraft.

The grand finale included aerobatics by Sarang Advanced Light Helicopters and synchronized low level manoeuvring by HJT-16 aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team.