On the pattern of the Navy, Indian Air Force plans to host first-ever Presidential Fleet Review of its fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft soon.
The great flying bonanza and biggest land static display for the Supreme Commander of the armed forces President A P J Abdul Kalam is planned for February in Chandigarh, according to highly placed IAF sources here.
While, Kalam stands on a specially erected podium, the frontline fighters of the IAF includings Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Migs 29, 27, 23, 21 and their upgraded version Bisons would put up an impressive flypast.
By February, the IAF would have acquired first of its British Advanced Hawk jet trainers, who form the platform for conducting some breathtaking aerobatics and the force proposes to use them in tandem with thurst vector Sukhoi’s to put a dazzling aerobatic display.
In addition the IAF work horse IL-76 frieghters and IL-78 tankers, An-32 medium transport helicopters and its entire fleet ranging from Mi-28 and Mi-35 gunships to Mi26 helicopter tankers and other choppers would also take part in the Presidential display.
For the occasion, the sources said the IAF would display all its past and present aircraft, surface-to-air, air-to-air, beyond visual range and ground-to-air missiles, precision bombs and other armaments including radars.
The IAF will also put on display for the first time its Unmanned aerial vehicles.