New Delhi, Oct 8: Both the Sarang helicopter team and Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) on Wednesday enthralled the audience by their breathtaking display of synchronized low level maneuvering in close formation on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

Fifty-two aircraft at an Air Force Day parade-cum- investiture ceremony at Air Force Station, Hindon, conducted the air display.

The Sarang helicopter display team comprising of four ''Dhruv'' Advanced Light Helicopters and SKAT performed the aerobatics ballet leaving the audience mesmerized by their maneuvering.

Congratulating the Air Warriors for their breathtaking display, Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major said: “IAF has taken a strong step towards becoming a true aerospace power and all the acquisitions and upgradations are progressing in consonance with our plans.”

He said that with infrastructural development, the IAF would transform itself completely in next 10 years in order to dominate the space as well as cyberspace.

The Air Force Chief said that the professionalism of the IAF is acknowledged worldwide and the nation can justifiably be proud of the Air Force.

The Air Force Day parade commenced with an Ensign formation of three MI-17 helicopters in ‘V’ formation trooping the Air Force ensign. The choppers were closely followed by other ‘V’ formations of three Bison (Mig-21), Vijay (Mig-23), Vajra (Mirage 2000) and Baaz (Mig-29) aircraft.

These air drills were followed by another formation of three Sukhoi-30MKI’s, which pulled up steeply in front of the dais and carry out an upward and outward maneuver. The show lasted for nearly three hours. (ANI)