Shahjahanpur (UP), May 2 (UNI) In a display of aerial strength and precision, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a spectacular air show on the Ganga Expressway near Piru village in Jalalabad Tehsil of Shahjahanpur district here in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
This marked the first time such an extensive demonstration by the IAF was held in the region, drawing immense excitement and national pride.
Cutting-edge aircraft such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, AN-32, C-130J Super Hercules and MI-17 helicopters took to the skies in an extraordinary showcase of combat readiness and disaster relief capabilities. The event featured practice flights and live demonstrations, giving audiences a glimpse of the IAF's advanced operational prowess.
The roar of engines and high-precision aerial manoeuvres enthralled thousands of spectators, including schoolchildren and residents from nearby villages. Live commentary during the event provided insights into the technical capabilities and strategic roles of each aircraft.
A major highlight of the event was a special night landing demonstration, held between 9 pm and 10 pm, underscoring the IAF's advanced night operation capabilities. This rare performance added to the spectacle, leaving spectators spellbound.
The venue, a specially constructed 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip on the Ganga Expressway, is designed for emergency landings and takeoffs by military aircraft, an important strategic asset for both defence and disaster response operations.
The 594-kilometre-long Ganga Expressway, which will connect Meerut to Prayagraj, is currently in its final phase of construction. Once operational, it is expected to significantly boost regional development and serve as a vital piece of national infrastructure.
The state government aims to inaugurate the Expressway by November 2025. The grand display of the IAF's capabilities, set against the backdrop of one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects, reinforced the country's commitment to strengthening defence preparedness and enhancing connectivity.
Earlier, due to bad weather, the airshow, which was scheduled to begin at 9.30 am started at 12.47 pm during which the IAF, displaying its valour. The Katra Jalalabad state highway was completely closed from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm for the night show. For security, 250 CCTV cameras were installed in this entire area.
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