SHILLONG: The Head Quarters Eastern Air Command, IAF, Upper Shillong, will conduct an Air Force Festival Vajra Air & Adventure Festival on October 18 and 19.
The Festival is being conducted at the Advance Landing Ground (ALG), Upper Shillong, especially for the people of Shillong, and is open to all Indian citizens between 9:30 am and 4 pm on both days. The Festival will showcase the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ epitomizing the Indian Air Force.
Various activities have been planned to commemorate the 82nd Anniversary of the IAF and the golden jubilee celebrations of the glorious victory in the Indo-Pak War of 1965.
A photo exhibition and display is being organised at the IAF Museum at HQ EAC organized till September 30 which is also open to the public. The Festival will commence with a Fly Past and aerobatic display by SU 30 aircraft.
This will be followed by the daring display of the IAF Akash Ganga Team which has carried out Skydiving and free fall activities all over the world including the North Pole.
The Festival will also showcase the ability of young minds of NIFT where Aero modeling is being taught. Various stalls with static models of Microlight aircraft used for training, Chetak helicopters used for carrying passengers and casualty Evacuation and communication will be on display. The most advanced Medium lift Mi-17 V5 Helicopters is also planned to be put up for display. These helicopters are capable of operations in poor visibility conditions for armament role and transportation of troops and load.
During the entire period of the Air Fest, the IAF band will enthrall the visitors to EAC HQ.
In addition, there will be demonstration of Slithering Operation by Garud, the elite force of IAF. Parasailing activities will also be undertaken and participation of all visitors will be encouraged. Youth having interest in the Indian Air Force will have an opportunity to know the schedule of tests being conducted and guidance for joining the IAF.
The Air Fest is an endeavour to enrich the knowledge of the future generation of the country living in Shillong with the history, glory, spirit of adventure and challenging opportunities of the IAF.