The Indian Air Force's (IAF) renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week, marking three decades of precision flying, daring manoeuvres, and crowd-thrilling air displays that have established it as one of India's most recognisable aerial formations.
Milestone Celebration at Bidar
The team, often called the 'Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force', will commemorate its 30th anniversary on May 26 at Air Force Station Bidar, where it was originally formed on May 27, 1996. The celebrations will honour past and present members for their contributions in shaping Suryakiran into a world-leading aerobatic display team.
Origins and Evolution
Named 'Suryakiran', meaning 'Rays of the Sun', the team began operations with the Kiran Mk-II aircraft and made its public debut in September 1996 at Coimbatore. Since then, the nine-aircraft formation has become synonymous with close-formation aerobatics and low-level precision flying, drawing lakhs of spectators at air shows and ceremonial events across India and overseas.
Over 800 Displays Worldwide
Over the last three decades, the team has performed more than 800 air displays in India and abroad, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2015, the team has flown the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its signature red-and-white colour scheme.
Precision and Rigorous Training
Known for executing complex aerobatic manoeuvres with split-second timing and coordination, the team undergoes rigorous training to perfect close-formation flying. Displays often feature loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying, and crossover manoeuvres performed at high speed and low altitude.
The anniversary celebrations are also expected to showcase the Indian Air Force's emphasis on professionalism, precision, and operational excellence through one of its most visible public outreach platforms.
