Suryakiran aerobatic team to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Karnataka's Bidar

The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will commemorate its 30th anniversary on May 26, marking three decades of thrilling air displays across India and abroad.

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force will commemorate its 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on May 26, celebrating three glorious decades of breath-taking air displays across India and abroad, officials said on Saturday.

Popularly known as the ''Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force'', the nine aircraft formation acrobatic team has inspired millions through professional flying in close formation encompassing thrilling manoeuvres at low levels, they said.

According to a statement issued by the defence wing of the press information bureau, the team, ''Suryakiran'' - meaning ''Rays of the Sun'' - was formed on May 27, 1996 at Air Force Station Bidar, initially flying the Kiran Mk-II aircraft.

In September 1996, the team made its public debut with a spectacular display in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), marking the beginning of an inspiring journey in precision aerobatics.

Officials noted that over the past three decades, Suryakiran has conducted more than 800 breath-taking air displays, captivating audiences across India and abroad, including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

''Continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence, SKAT operates the iconic Red and White Hawk Mk-132 aircraft since 2015 in its signature nine-aircraft formation,'' it said.

The team pilots undertake rigorous and intensive training to master complex aerobatic manoeuvres with flawless coordination, forming the foundation of their close formation flying, they said.

The 30th anniversary celebrations at Air Force Station Bidar will be a tribute to the spirit of the Indian Air Force and it will also honour all the members of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team who have contributed towards making SKAT one of the finest aerobatic teams in the world, the statement added.