Chennai: It was India's biggest ever Air Show on the Marina beach front on Sunday witnessed by a record 15 lakh people which will etch IAF's name in the Limca Book of Records.
People from various parts of the city and other districts started flocking the beach front right from the morning to witness the show and the flypasts which were named in Tamil that included the epic Sangam era, King Cheran, Chozhan and Pandiyan and after late President A P J Abdul Kalam.
Brief flypast
Earlier, as a prelude to the Air show, the IAF organised a brief fly past parade and displayed its weaponary that included various types of aircraft and helicopters at the IAF Air base in suburban Tambaram last evening in which tens and hundreds of people had a glimpse of the IAF's military strength.
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A total of 72 aircraft including functional and vintage jets and transport aircraft and helicopters took part in the grand display of the IAF's prowess in Chennai skies as the vast coastline provided fitting picturesque backdrop to the fly past by LCAs, Rafales, Sukhoi-M30 and display teams by Sarang and other units of the leading military outfit.
Massive security
Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the benefit of public and made traffic diversions and changes on the arterial beach road as a record 15 lakh thronged the World's second largest beach to witness the grand that showcased the IAF's full military might.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and newly appointed Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh participated in the event and witnessed the grand event.
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Three-day show
The IAF showcased its might in the skies during the grand air show as part of the three-day programmes organised to commemorate its 92nd anniversary that would conclude with an IAF parade at the Tambaram Air Force Station on October 8.
Show theme
This year's event is based on theme "Bhartiya Vayu Sena-Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), highlighting the lAF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's airspace.
Women officers
The air show also saw women officers showcasing their skills both on air and on land. An inspiring and trailblazing journey that began in 1992 when the IAF created history by becoming the first of three services to open its doors for Women Officers for the first time and later started training them as Fighter Pilots from 2015, is still continuing. (with Agency inputs)
