Chennai, Sep 26 (Reporter) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to participate in one of India's biggest Air show to be held in Chennai from October 6 to 8 after a gap of 21 years. Apart from Mr Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and newly appointed Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh will also participate. Sources said an official confirmation on Mr Rajnath's participation is awaited. Talking to reporters after the Indian Air Force (IAF) held a Media Orientation Program at Air Force Station, Tambaram on Thursday in preparation for Air Force Day 2024 celebrations, Air Vice Marshall K.Arun Kumar said this would one of the biggest air show to be held in Marina beach on October six. More than 15 lakh people are expected to throng the beach front on that day to witness the grand spectacle, Mr Arun Kumar, who is also the Chief Coordinating Officer for the IAF day parade, said, adding the entry is free. The last time the Air show was held in 2003 in Chennai during the late J Jayalalithaa regime when 13 lakh people turned up at Marina. A total of 72 aircraft, including Rafael, Sukhoi, and indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), apart from Sarang helicopter display team, Suryakiran aerobatic team would participate in the air show. A full dress rehearsal will be held on October four and the air show will be held on October six. An official release issued a couple of days back said the IAF will showcase its might in the skies over Marina Beach during a grand air show in Chennai on October 6 as part of the programmes organised to commemorate its 92nd anniversary. This year's event is based on theme "Bhartiya Vayu Sena-Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), highlighting the lAF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's airspace, an official statement said. The people of Chennai will witness a thrilling spectacle on the day, with 72 aircraft from the lAF displaying mesmerizing aerobatic manoeuvres and synchronized formation flying. The air show will feature performances by the lAF's elite teams Akash Ganga, renowned for their skydiving prowess, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, famed for their close formation aerobatics, and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, known for their stunning aerial choreography. Besides these acclaimed teams, lAF will be showcasing flypast and aerial displays by a wide range of aircraft from its inventory, including the nation's pride, our own indigenously manufactured state-of-the art Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and Heritage aircraft like Dakota and Harvard are also likely to take part. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for the audience, showcasing not only India's military aviation excellence, but also the strength and capabilities of lAF, and its role in protecting the nation's skies...////...