Ministry of Defence
Suryakiran Aerobatic Team takes to Meerut skies for the first time
Over 1 lakh turn up to witness the breathtaking display over 2 days
Posted On:
20 SEP 2026 1:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force took to the skies of Meerut for the first time on September 19 and 20, 2026, captivating spectators with a breathtaking display. Over 1 lakh people, including students, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers turned up over two days to witness the display. Notably, three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who performed aerobatics, are from Meerut.
On September 20, 2026, the show was witnessed by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. Posting on X, Shri Sanjay Seth described the event as a remarkable blend of discipline, precision, teamwork, and professionalism, and a testament to the Indian Air Force’s glorious capabilities. He commended the courage and dedication of SKAT which has performed in over 800 airshows, both in India and abroad, in its 30-year journey, so far.
Posting on X on the first day of the display, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath praised the precision and courage of SKAT pilots who painted the sky in the colours of the Tricolour, showcasing breathtaking precision and courage. He called it a proud and inspiring moment for the state and a nation as a whole.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the show include Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpai, UP Minister of State Shri Somendra Tomar, and Members of the Legislative Council Shri Ashwini Tyagi and Shri Dharmendra Bhardwaj.
About Meerut Air Display
Fresh from the successful conclusion of its 2026 training season, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team unveiled its latest formation before the people of Meerut. Flying the nine distinctive red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the team performed breathtaking aerobatic manoeuvres that left spectators spellbound. 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.
About SKAT
Established in 1996, SKAT holds the distinction of being the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is among the select few such teams in the world. Having enthralled audiences with more than 800 displays across India and represented the professionalism of the Indian Air Force at international air shows in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, the UAE and Dubai, Suryakiran has grown into far more than an aerobatic team. As the ‘Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force’, it carries the spirit of the Service wherever it flies, showcasing a rich legacy of excellence while inspiring the youth to aspire towards a career in the Defence Forces and offering them an opportunity to witness first-hand the professionalism, precision, discipline and dedication that define the Indian Air Force.
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(Release ID: 2312661)
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