Aircrafts to display IAF’s prowess at Udhampur’ Air show on Oct 12
The mixture of vintage and modern aircrafts will demonstrate Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ability to dominate the most difficult and hostile Himalayan region during the upcoming Air show at Udhampur on October 12.
The one of its kind show will be organized by the Air Force to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Headquarters Air Officer Commanding Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (HQ AOC JK&L).
The HQ AOC JK&L came under the Western Air Command in support of the army’s Northern Command, which is the authority for planning, execution and control of all civil and military air operations in the Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh regions.
The area of dominance included the difficult hinterland and two front borders with adversaries like China and Pakistan.
As per officials, the flypast is planned to be held over Udhampur town where a large number of people can come and witness a glimpse of combat operations as well as civil missions with aircraft such as Rafale, Jaguar, Chinook, Apache, Su30, Mi17 and Mig 29.
“The flypast at Udhampur will be presided over by AOC, HQ AOC JK&L along the Army Commander Northern Command. The officers will wear a new combat uniform, which was recently unveiled on this year’s IAF Day,” sources said. They added that rehearsals for the air display by various aircraft have already started.
“Air and Static Display is planned with a combination of vintage as well as modern aircrafts. The transport, assault, surveillance and rescue operations will be displayed during the fly-past, said Northern Command defence spokesperson Colonel Abhinav Navneet.
The fly-past will start with skydiving by a team of Akashganga from An32 followed by the air manoeuvres by Jaguar. The other aircraft Mig-29, Sukhoi-30, Rafale will display different formations. The combat helicopters including Apache, Mi17 and Chinook will display its prowess of conducting operations in challenging heights. The Dakota landing by IAF C-130J Super Hercules will also be part of the flypast, where giant aircraft will show the short landing, which use small portion of land during tactical mission.
“The major aim of this air show is to enhance awareness of the headquarters and its task in the region,” the spokesperson added.
The Headquarters AOC JK & Ladakh was raised in 1962 at Srinagar and shifted to its present location at Udhampur in 1964.
Since then its primary role has been to co-ordinate all air operations in JK & Ladakh. It is closely associated with the Army’s Northern Command (which was formed. in 19721 for desired co-ordination of joint Army-Air Force operations. This HQ played a stellar role during the 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak wars in 1999 also during the Kaigil war, Operation Safed Sagar was conducted through this HQ.
It continues to provide air maintenance to the entire Northern Army Command across the highest reaches of the Himalayas including the Siachen Glacier.
In the times of need this HQ has always been to the fore coordinating relief and succor operations to various Para military forces. State/Government Organizations and civilians in the JK& Ladakh region.
