Indian Air Force dazzles Guwahati skies with First-Ever Northeast air show

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd anniversary with a spectacular milestone: its first full-scale air show in Northeast India held at Lachit Ghat, Guwahati, on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The event, titled "Wings Over Brahmaputra" , drew thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the breathtaking aerial display that celebrated India’s air power, technological excellence, and national pride.

The show featured more than 75 aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, the cutting-edge Rafale, and the powerful Sukhoi-30 MKI, performing in over 25 aerial formations. Audiences were treated to thrilling aerobatic manoeuvres, precision flying, and synchronized formations that showcased the operational might and coordination of the IAF.

Despite heavy traffic that delayed the arrival of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, the event proceeded smoothly under bright skies. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the ceremony, lauding the IAF’s decision to host such a grand event in the Northeast a region of strategic significance due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, India’s vital northeastern gateway.

The air show wasn’t limited to traditional aircraft displays. A special segment focused on drone demonstrations, highlighting the IAF’s growing emphasis on unmanned aerial systems and indigenous drone technologies for surveillance, logistics, and disaster management. This section drew special attention from younger audiences and technology enthusiasts, signaling India’s commitment to integrating modern aerial innovations into its defense framework.

The event also marked an important cultural and developmental moment for Guwahati, as the newly developed riverfront at Lachit Ghat served as a scenic venue for the show. The air display, accompanied by patriotic music and commentary, turned the riverbank into a celebration of both regional pride and national achievement.

Chief Minister Sarma described the show as “a proud moment for Assam and the entire Northeast,” adding that it symbolized the growing recognition of the region in national defense and infrastructure planning.

With the skies above Guwahati painted in tricolour trails and the roar of engines echoing across the Brahmaputra, the IAF’s first Northeast air show not only celebrated its 93 years of excellence but also inspired thousands, uniting patriotism with awe.