Team News Riveting
Raipur, November 5
Mammoth gathering at the Sendh Lake in Chhattisgarh’s capital city were thrilled to see the jaw dropping ‘aerobatics’ by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.
Flying the striking red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 jets, the team showcased a series of jaw-dropping manoeuvres. Raipurians witnessed a breath-taking spectacle in the skies as the it came alive when the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, better known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force,” is renowned for its precision, skill and teamwork. This elite team’s air performances include the graceful loop and the thrilling barrel roll to the gravity-defying inverted flying and the crowd-favourite DNA manoeuvre, shape of Tejas fighter jet, heart-shape and diamond in sky and hide and seek.
SKAT was established in 1996. The team holds the coveted title of being the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia, and is one of the elites few aerobatic teams in the world. Theteam had so far performed over 700 displays across India, while also representing the professionalism of the IAF at international air shows in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
The sky above Sendh Reservoir in Nava Raipur transformed into a theatre of color, thunder, and national pride today as the Indian Air Force’s elite aerobatic team, Surya Kiran, performed a breathtaking air show marking the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s statehood. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, along with thousands of citizens, watched in awe as fighter jets streaked across the horizon in perfect synchrony.
The SuryaKiran team, moving in seamless formation, performed an array of daring maneuvers over the shimmering waters of Sendh Reservoir. When the jets released the colors of the Indian tricolor into the blue expanse, chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” erupted from the crowd, reverberating across Nava Raipur.
From high above, SuryaKiran team leader Group Captain Ajay Dashrathi extended greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. In a deeply emotional moment, Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel, a native of Chhattisgarh, saluted his home state from his cockpit, declaring “Jai Johar!” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sabse Badhiya!,” drawing cheers from the spectators below.
For a full hour, the Surya Kiran team displayed unmatched discipline, precision, and teamwork, executing gravity-defying aerobatic formations. Thousands gathered around the reservoir, mesmerized by the agility and coordination of the pilots. Under the command of Wing Commander A.V. Singh, the One-F-9 and One-F-8 helicopter units presented spectacular slippery and sky-operation maneuvers. From “Adidev” helicopters hovering just 15 meters above the ground, 14 Garud Commandos rappelled down using ropes, while eight others performed aerial movements during the sky-operation segment—simulating combat and disaster-rescue scenarios.
The crowd gasped as nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft from the Surya Kiran team carved formations like Heart, Diamond, Loop, Grover, Dawn Light, and Combat Tejas against the sky. Each maneuver drew waves of applause, especially when the jets painted a tricolor trail across the clouds. Spectators, young and old alike, captured the aerial ballet on cameras and phones, unwilling to miss a single move.
In one of the most memorable moments, the fighter pilots traced a heart formation in the sky to celebrate Chhattisgarh’s 25th Foundation Day, followed by a symbolic DNA formation in the colors of the Indian flag—representing India’s spirit woven into every citizen. They then performed a full 360° roll, flying inverted, and sculpted the letter Y in the sky, dedicated to the youth of India. Beyond entertainment, the air show was a message of courage, national pride, and inspiration—urging young citizens to serve the nation through the armed forces.
The participation of Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel added a personal touch to the spectacle. His high-speed salute to his home state became a symbol of the deep emotional bond between Chhattisgarh and the Indian Air Force. Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, serving as the live commentator, narrated the aerial choreography with insight into the precision, training, and risk management that define every maneuver.
