The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to celebrate its 76th anniversary on 8 October 2008. The occasion will be celebrated with an air display conducted by 52 aircraft at an Air Force Day parade-cum- investiture ceremony at Air Force Station, Hindon. The air display will see participation by NCC cadets who will operate aero models at the event. Their display will be followed by a display of sky diving during which divers of the Akash Ganga team will jump from an AN-32 aircraft. The Air Force Day parade will commence with an Ensign formation of three MI-17 helicopters in 'V' formation trooping the Air Force ensign. The choppers will be closely followed by other 'V' formations of three Bison (Mig-21), Vijay (Mig-23), Vajra (Mirage 2000) and Baaz (Mig-29) aircraft. These will be followed by another formation of three Sukhoi-30MKI's which will pull up steeply in front of the dais and carry out an upward and outward maneuver. The Sukhois will be followed by the well-known 'Sarang' helicopter display team comprising four 'Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopters. The grand finale will be a formation aerobatics ballet performed by the renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT). The SKAT formation is expected to provide a breath taking display of synchronized low level maneuvering in close formation.
