Indian Air Force sky diving team ‘Air Devils’ from the directorate of adventure, demonstrated a free fall above Kohima on eve of the 55th Statehood celebrations on December 1.
A press release by defense PRO, Col C Konwer state that ‘Air Devils’ team leader, wing commander Vishal Lakhesh jumped with a Tri-Colour parachute and the Air Force Flag, from a height of 5000 feet above ground level. Vishal Lakhesh’s team consisted of MWO R Singh, WO RS Patll, WO Anil Bhadula, Sgt Mohanty, Cpl Iqbal, Cpl SK Gill, Cpl Mohit and Cpl Akhlesh . The other display was by Cpl Vishal Kumar, paramotor instructor who demonstrated his skill and strength on a Paramotor by taking off in front of the audience, petal dropping, performing acrobatics and landing on the same ground.
Later in the evening, a single MI-17 helicopter dropped petals over Kisama heritage village after which SU-30 MKI, 3 aircraft formation of 106 Sqn based at Tezpur treated to the gathering to a fly past.
The release stated that the program was made possible because of the efforts and coordination put in by Rajya Sainik Board Nagaland, IAF Nagaland project office, HQ Eastern Air Command Shillong and Nagaland government.
This air show is the first ever such display in Nagaland state and the IAF has also helped immensely to aid civil administration during landslides and natural calamities by carrying out supply drops to affected areas of the State, the release added.