More than 7,000 visitors, both young and old, got to enjoy from close quarters the air display by An-32 transport aircrafts of the Indian Air Force ‘Sarang’ team, and slithering operations by the Commando Force ‘Garud’.

The display was part of the ‘Air Fest’ organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Air Force Station, Sulur, as part of the 69th Independence Day celebrations. The fest was open to students and general public and gave them a unique opportunity to get up close with various aircrafts of Indian Air Force.
The ‘Sarang’ had performed on various occasions across the country and also internationally in Singapore, Germany and the U.K., since the induction of the team in 2003.

Many varieties of aircrafts, helicopters and weapons used by the IAF were lined up for display and students and public got to appreciate the equipment that were used by the Air Force in its efforts to safe guard the country.

The Air Fest also brought to light the contribution made by the personnel of Air Force Station Sulur, who in peace time, played a vital role in disaster relief and rescue. Information about various rescue operations – more than 50 – including floods in Kedernath and Hogenakkal were available.

A stall was set up at the venue for students of various schools and colleges to provide details about the wide spectrum of career prospects available to them in the IAF.

Films and documentaries were screened for the visitors to show the operational efficiency and air power might of IAF.

According to the Chief Administrative Officer, Air Force Station, Sulur, V R Srinivas, the fest was organised to create awareness about the activities of the IAF among the public, and instill an urge in the minds of the students to take up a career in the IAF to serve the nation.