Elite Surya Kiran team performs aerobatic display in Kerala

The Indian Air Force in association with the Kerala government on Sunday conducted an aerobatic display of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team SKAT over the Shangumugham Beach here.The team, popularly known as the Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force, has the distinction of being amongst a handful of nine aircraft formation aerobatic teams in the world.


PTI | Thiruvananthapuram | Updated: 05-02-2023 16:13 IST | Created: 05-02-2023 16:13 IST
Elite Surya Kiran team performs aerobatic display in Kerala
  • Country:
  • India

The Indian Air Force in association with the Kerala government on Sunday conducted an aerobatic display of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) over the Shangumugham Beach here.

The team, popularly known as the Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force, has the distinction of being amongst a handful of nine aircraft formation aerobatic teams in the world. The team, led by Group Captain, G S Dhillon, flew nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft, designed by British Aerospace, licensed and manufactured in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. ''Squadron Leader Allen George, an Ernakulam native was the only pilot from Kerala in the Surya Kiran Team,'' the Air Force said in a release.

The team, which was formed in 1996 has been personifying the motto of the Indian Air Force ''Touch the sky with glory'' ever since. ''The team has completed more than 600 displays across the length and breadth of India and in several foreign countries and also carried out various flypasts towards the celebration of Swarnim Vijay Varsh and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. State Education Minister, V Sivankutty, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, Arya Rajendran, Air Vice Marshal S K Vidhate of the Southern Air Command, Group Captain, Saurabh Shiv and other senior Air Force, Army and state officials were present at the occasion. The civil populace witnessed the scintillating aerobatic display by the SKAT.

Post aerobatic display, IAF band entertained the gathering by playing various musical compositions and themes showcasing synergy and solidarity. The members of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team were felicitated after the display.

Indian Coast Guard deployed the two ships C-427 and C-441 at sea very close to the coast for ensuring the safety of the event as part of IAF's synergy.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Give Feedback