- Daredevil flying display, battle re-enactments and veterans’ war stories electrify Mohanbari
- IAF showcases unmatched air-power, mission readiness and legacy of victory on Vijay Diwas
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, DEC 11
The Indian Air Force turned the skies above Air Force Station Mohanbari into a theatre of raw courage and combat legacy as it commemorated India’s resounding victory in the 1971 war. The celebration paid a spectacular tribute to the unparalleled bravery, sacrifice and daredevilry of India’s defence forces.
The event was attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, senior military and civilian dignitaries, war veterans and hundreds of youth from Assam, who witnessed a breathtaking re-creation of some of the most decisive air operations of 1971.
Air Dominance on Display: Missions That Changed History
A powerful aerial display by frontline platforms — Su-30 MKI, C-130, Dornier, An-32, Chinook, Mi-17, ALH and Cheetah — brought to life the historic Tangail Airdrop, the Meghna River Crossing, and the attack on Dhaka’s Government House.
Each manoeuvre showcased the IAF’s lethal precision, rapid mobility, and unflinching mission readiness — the same qualities that crushed enemy positions in 1971 and ensured India’s decisive triumph.
War Stories That Still Ignite Fire
A seminar on ‘Air Operations during the 1971 War’ saw veterans recount gripping first-hand stories of courage under fire. Their narratives highlighted the audacity and strategic brilliance that shaped one of the fastest and most successful military campaigns in world history.
Legacy in Pictures: ‘Triumph from the Sky-71’
Adding to the emotional resonance of the day, a special exhibition titled ‘Triumph from the Sky-71’ displayed rare archival photographs capturing air battles, sorties and tactical victories from 1971.
A replica of the Swarnim Vijay Mashal, the ceremonial flame honouring India’s triumph, stood as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the armed forces.
The Mohanbari celebration not only honoured the past but also showcased the IAF’s unwavering resolve to safeguard the nation with the same grit, fire and fearlessness that defined Vijay Diwas 1971.
