The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force amazed the crowd in Hyderabad with a stunning airshow over Hussain Sagar Lake on Friday. The team’s precise and daring maneuvers left spectators in awe. If you missed the performance, there’s another chance to witness their aerial skills on December 8, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, started in 1996, is the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and one of the few in the world. Over the years, they’ve performed over 700 shows in India and internationally. Their breathtaking displays have been showcased in countries like China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
Flying nine Hawk Mk 132 jets, the team performs complex stunts with incredible precision. The aircraft fly in formations as close as 5 meters apart, showing remarkable coordination. Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi leads the team, with Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik as his deputy.
The team’s pilots include Squadron Leaders Jasdeep Singh, Himkhush Chandel, Ankit Vashisth, Vishnu, Diwakar Sharma, and Gaurav Patel, along with Wing Commanders Rajesh Kajla, Arjun Patel, Kuldeep Hooda, and Allen George. Each performance highlights their exceptional skill and training.
Behind the scenes, a technical support team ensures that the aircraft operate smoothly. This team is led by Wing Commander Abhimanyu Tyagi and Squadron Leader Sandeep Dhayal. The team also includes a medical officer, Squadron Leader Sudharshan, and Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, who serves as the commentator and administrator.
The Hawk Mk 132 aircraft used in these performances are vital for training Indian Air Force fighter pilots. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), these planes also demonstrate India’s progress in aerospace technology.
To add more visual brilliance to their displays, the aircraft are now equipped with smoke pods developed in India. These pods release colorful plumes in saffron, white, and green — the colors of the Indian national flag — making the airshows even more spectacular while showcasing India’s growing expertise in aviation technology.
The Hyderabad airshow is part of the Indian Air Force’s Outreach Programme. This initiative aims to connect with the public, spark interest in aviation, and highlight the IAF’s strength and technological advancements.
