The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a rehearsal for the much-anticipated Air Show over Marina Beach today from 11 AM to 1 PM. This rehearsal comes ahead of the grand air display scheduled for October 6, which will be open to the public free of charge.
The upcoming air show marks the IAF’s return to Chennai after 21 years, with the last event held in September 2003. As part of the Indian Air Force Day celebrations, traditionally hosted in Delhi, the show has been shifted to different locations across India in recent years. Last year, it took place in Prayagraj, and in 2022, Chandigarh was the venue. This year, for the first time in South India, the skies over Chennai’s Marina Beach will serve as the backdrop for this spectacular display.
The air show is expected to draw an audience of around 15 lakh people, with the IAF aiming to set a Limca Book of Records for the largest turnout. A total of 72 aircraft will participate, originating from bases in Sulur, Thanjavur, Arakkonam, and Bengaluru.
Spectators can look forward to breathtaking performances from the famed Suryakiran Aerobatics Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team. The lineup also includes advanced aircraft such as:
- The Indigenously made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
- Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand
- Rafale
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
This air show is set to be one of the most thrilling events of the year, providing the public with an opportunity to witness the might and prowess of the IAF up close.