Hercules, Sky-divers, Aerobatics on display at 83rd Air Force Day Celebrations

New Delhi:  The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 83rd Air Force Day with a large parade and air display at the Hindon air base near Delhi today.

The highlight of this year's event will be the re-constituted Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) which will be showcased for the first time.

The squadron was disbanded four years ago due to shortage of aircraft. It used to fly ageing Kiran trainers at the time but now has shifted to British-designed Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers.

Sky divers of the Akash Ganga aerobatic squadron will be a prominent feature of the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the IAF on the ocasssion. 

The event began with a fly past of three Mi-17 V5 helicopters with ensign of the Air Force in a "vic" or V-shaped formation at the air base in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

The parade will see Hercules formation comprising three C-130J aircraft in the same formation.

The fighter fly past will be led by three Jaguars in Vic formation, closely followed by three Bisons in Vic formation, followed by SU-30 aircraft.

Next will be the C-17 aircraft flanked by two SU-30 aircraft.

The grand finale will see Sarang Helicopter team performing their famous air display.