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The final rehearsal for Aero India 2025, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station on Thursday, showcased a significantly reduced number of air assets compared to previous years. While the event, attended by school children and families of armed forces personnel, did feature a display of aerial prowess, the notable absences of several key aircraft and display teams raised questions about the full scale of the upcoming air show. The rehearsal began with the Akash Ganga skydiving team, followed by Mi-17 helicopters carrying national and Aero India flags. A flypast included Sukhoi-30 MKIs, LCA Tejas, Jaguars, NETRA AEW&CS, AN-32, and Dornier aircraft, along with a demonstration of the HAL LUH. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team concluded the rehearsal with their signature maneuvers, showcasing newly integrated smoke pods capable of producing tri-color displays. However, this display of capabilities was overshadowed by the significant absences.
Several prominent aircraft and teams were conspicuously absent from the rehearsal. Notably absent were the Mirage 2000, Hawk-i, IJT, HTT-40, ALH, and LCH. The IAF's latest fighter jet, the Rafale, was also not present. International participants, including Russia's Su-57 and Brazil's KC-390 Millennium, confirmed for the airshow, were also missing. The absence of these aircraft significantly diminishes the overall scope and impact of the rehearsal, leaving many to wonder about the final airshow's capabilities. Perhaps the most striking absence was that of the IAF's Sarang Helicopter Display Team, a long-standing fixture at Aero India, known for their impressive formation aerobatics. Their absence is directly linked to the grounding of all 330 ALH Dhruv helicopters following a fatal accident involving an Indian Coast Guard ALH Mark-III on January 5th.
The grounding of the ALH Dhruv helicopters casts a long shadow over the upcoming air show. The Sarang team, flying the ALH Dhruvs, has a history marked by tragedy. In 2007, a practice run resulted in a fatal crash, yet they persevered to become a regular feature of Aero India. This year's situation is, however, particularly challenging. With only days remaining before the air show's commencement, the Sarang team's participation remains highly uncertain, leaving a significant void in the planned program. The tragic loss of life in the recent accident underscores the seriousness of the situation and raises concerns about the operational readiness of the IAF's helicopter fleet. The temporary grounding is a significant setback, especially considering the visual spectacle and national pride associated with the Sarang team's performance. The absence of the Sarang team, coupled with the missing aircraft, creates a sense of anticipation tinged with uncertainty about the overall quality of this year's Aero India.
The limited display at the rehearsal raises questions about the preparedness and readiness of various aspects of the Indian Air Force, as well as about the logistical challenges of assembling the complete range of planned equipment and personnel. While the rehearsal did offer a glimpse of some capabilities, the significant absences of key players highlight potential logistical constraints and operational challenges. The decision to proceed with a less extensive rehearsal could indicate underlying issues with aircraft maintenance, pilot training, or other logistical hurdles. Further investigation is required to fully understand the reasons for these absences, and whether they represent a temporary setback or a larger trend in the operational status of the Indian Air Force's assets. The consequences for the overall impact and public perception of Aero India 2025 could be considerable. The anticipation and excitement generated by the airshow are directly linked to the scale and diversity of the displays, and the absence of key players risks diminishing the show's grandeur and appeal.
Beyond the immediate concerns about the air show itself, the rehearsal's limitations raise wider questions about the operational status of India's defense capabilities. The grounding of the ALH Dhruvs highlights the need for rigorous safety checks and maintenance protocols within the armed forces. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in military operations and the importance of continuous training and upgrades to ensure the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of equipment. The investigation into the accident that grounded the ALH Dhruvs should be thorough and transparent, ensuring any underlying issues that contributed to the crash are identified and addressed. Lessons learned from this tragedy should guide future maintenance, training practices, and perhaps even the development of new safety technologies, for the benefit of national security and the preservation of human life.
Source: Aero India: Limited air assets on display during final rehearsal