NEW DELHI : After a gap of over 30 years, the President would `review' the Indian Air Force at Chandigarh on March 7.

"Presidential Reviews" are occasions when the President, who is also the supreme commander of armed forces, ceremoniously marks his "appreciation," said official sources.

Only three "Presidential Reviews" had taken place so far, with the last one taking place in 1976.

For the IAF, the occasion coincides with its platinum jubilee celebrations.

Display of standards

There will be static and air displays, including a parade by the air warriors. A unique feature will be the display of all the 41colours/standards awarded by Presidents.

The aircraft and systems on static display will include MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dornier, Avro, AN-32, IL-76, Embraer, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, ALH, Mi-25, Mi-26, Microlite, UAV, Canberra, M-2000, Su-30, Kiran (SKAT), HPT-32, Heron UAV and radars and missile systems.

The flying displays would comprise flypasts by Mi-17, Mi-26, ALH, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-35, HPT-32, mixed formation of Avro, AN-32 & Dorniers, Bisons, Mig-29, Mirage-2000s and Jaguar. The IL-78 refuellers will fly past with two Mirages plugged in.

Once overhead, the Mirages would unplug and conduct a steep climb.

In the Jaguar formation, 17 aircraft would fly in close proximity making a figure of `75.'

There will also be combat air patrolling by Mi-35 helicopters, special heliborne operations by Mi-17, along with action by the IAF's special force "Garud."

The full dress rehearsal of the "Presidential Review" is planned on March 5.

The first "Presidential Review" was held at Palam, Delhi, in 1954, coinciding with Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee taking charge as IAF Chief.

The second review took place after 18 years by then President V.V. Giri again in Palam.

The third one was done by Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed at Chandigarh in 1976 .

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