Hola,
The two-day Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington International Air Show 2007, was an eclectic mix of flying machines – military and civil, both vintage and modern. Yet none could take the sheen and glory away from the formidable Sukhoi-30 MKIs of the Indian Air Force (IAF). They pronounced their thunderous presence at this annual pilgrimage of aircraft in UK. An IL-78 MKI fuel-tanker of the IAF stood majestic, towering over all the other aircraft put together at the static display.
It was a treat for aircrew and aviation enthusiasts to see the two Su-30 MKIs of the IAF's No. 30 Squadron ('Rhinos') and the giant IL-78 MKI that were put-up for display. Clearly IAF was winning hearts all the way.
Lieutenants Elden and Nordtun, from Norway wanted to know if the IAF Su-30 MKIs could also visit Norway. They are F-16 pilots from the No. 331 'Sniper' Squadron, based in Bodoe. About the aircrafts they remarked " They (Su-30 MKIs) are big and intimidating! Never seen them before". On learning of the Aero-India shows held at Bangalore, Elden chuckled, "It would be really nice if we were invited to participate. Maybe the IAF could provide us the mid-air refuel support".
The static display by the IAF was declared the 'best static display', confirmed Group Captain Girish Saini, the IAF contingent leader here at Waddington. The honour is a 'matter of pride' indeed considering the maiden participation at an International Air Show by IAF abroad. There were nearly 100 aircraft of various types at the static display. An estimated gathering of over 40-thousand visitors was at the air show when IAF fighter aircraft's air display flight took place at the UK air show.
Saludos.