IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Set to Dazzle Chandigarh Skies with Local Connection
The skies over Chandigarh are preparing for a spectacular display as the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, Asia's exclusive nine-aircraft formation, gets ready for performances on March 27 and 28. This remarkable aerial spectacle carries a powerful home connection, with several team members hailing from the Tricity region, transforming the event from a routine air show into a heartfelt homecoming.
Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh: From Awestruck Student to Formation Leader
Among those commanding the skies will be Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh, the deputy leader of the Suryakiran team, whose journey began right in Chandigarh's backyard. A 2005 graduate of Army Public School in Chandimandir, Singh's fascination with aviation ignited during a formative childhood experience.
"In Class 10, I witnessed a flypast of five Jaguar aircraft at an air show," Singh recalled. "I remember turning to my mother and asking, 'Are these also humans?' She explained they were just like us. That moment stayed with me permanently."
Describing himself as an enthusiast of high-adrenaline activities including bikes, cars, and machinery, Singh said the pull toward flying was completely instinctive. After joining the National Defence Academy in 2006, selecting the Air Force felt like the most natural choice possible.
The Suryakiran Revelation and Full Circle Moment
Another defining moment occurred soon after Singh joined the Air Force. "In 2009, during training at Bidar, I watched the Suryakiran team take off in perfect formation," he shared. "The red uniforms, their commanding aura, even the distinctive way they walked made me wonder again, 'Who are these extraordinary people?'"
This childhood curiosity resurfaced with crystal clarity, setting Singh on a path that would eventually lead him to that very formation. Having flown the powerful Sukhoi Su-30MKI as his primary aircraft platform, he now pilots the BAE Hawk Mk 132 as part of the elite Suryakiran team.
Ground Coordination Excellence from Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu
While Singh commands the skies, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, age 29, ensures seamless coordination on the ground. As the team's commentator and administrator, Sandhu shapes the entire spectator experience, making certain the narration and logistical precision match the aerial displays perfectly.
Hailing from Panchkula, Sandhu comes from a distinguished military family background:
- Father: Colonel Kirpal Singh (Artillery)
- Mother: Brigadier Karamjit Kaur (Military Nursing Service)
Her role is crucial in synchronizing the ground operations with the airborne maneuvers, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for all spectators.
Technical Excellence and Emotional Significance
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team represents the pinnacle of aviation precision, with split-second coordination and breathtaking speed that demands absolute perfection. What makes the Chandigarh performances particularly special is the personal connection these team members share with the region.
For Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh, this display represents more than just another assignment—it's a return to the very ground where his aviation dreams first took flight. The combination of technical excellence and emotional resonance promises to make the March 27-28 shows truly unforgettable events for both participants and spectators alike.
