IAF’s Surya Kiran team to perform at Meerut  airshow

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File picture of the IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team in action. File | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is slated to perform its latest formation at the upcoming Meerut airshow on September 19 and 20, 2026.

“Fresh from the successful conclusion of its 2026 training season, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is ready to unveil its latest formation before the people of Meerut. The team will take to the skies with five new team members, bringing renewed energy and expertise to the formation, while carrying forward the exacting standards that have become synonymous with Surya Kiran,” SKAT said in a statement. 

Flying nine distinctive red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, manufactured in India under a license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the team will perform a sequence of spellbinding aerobatic manoeuvres.

“From the graceful loop and thrilling barrel roll to inverted flying and the iconic DNA manoeuvre, every movement is a spectacular demonstration of precision, skill and seamless coordination. The aircraft fly in extremely close proximity, at a distance of less than five metres, making every manoeuvre a testament to exceptional flying skills, discipline and absolute trust within the formation. Adding another striking dimension to the display, the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft have undergone a significant indigenous modification involving the integration of smoke pods capable of producing coloured smoke. Developed in India at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot, Nashik, the modification enables the aircraft to paint the sky in the colours of the national flag — saffron, white and green,” the statement added. 

Established in 1996, SKAT is the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia, and among the select few such teams in the world. It has enthralled audiences with more than 800 displays across India, and represented the IAF at international air shows in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, the UAE, and Dubai. This is the first SKAT show in Meerut.

“Adding to this milestone, Squadron Leader Aman Goyal and Squadron Leader Rahul Singh, both belonging to Meerut, will have the unique opportunity to perform before their hometown, with Squadron Leader Sharad Goel from Meerut as a team member. For the two pilots, flying over the city they call home will be a moment of immense pride; for Meerut, it will be a special opportunity to see its own sons take to the skies as part of the Surya Kiran formation,” the statement further said. 

For young aspirants looking to a career in the armed forces, the Meerut display will be an opportunity to experience the rich IAF legacy at close quarters, witness professionalism and precision in action, and interact with members of the aerobatic team, the statement said. 

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