Meerut, Sep 20 (NVI): More than one lakh people witnessed the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force perform breathtaking aerial manoeuvres over Meerut on September 19 and 20, marking the team’s first-ever display in the city.
The spectators included students, NCC cadets and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, who gathered to witness the nine-aircraft formation flying by the IAF’s famed aerobatic team.
Notably, three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who participated in the aerobatic display, are from Meerut.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth witnessed the display on Sunday and described it as a demonstration of discipline, precision, teamwork and professionalism. He also commended the team’s courage and dedication, noting that SKAT has completed more than 800 air shows in India and abroad during its 30-year journey.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who witnessed the first day’s display, praised the precision and courage of the SKAT pilots and described the event as a proud and inspiring moment for the state and the country.
Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Bajpai, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Somendra Tomar and Legislative Council members Ashwini Tyagi and Dharmendra Bhardwaj were among the other dignitaries who witnessed the show.
Fresh from the conclusion of its 2026 training season, SKAT unveiled its latest formation over Meerut, flying nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft manufactured under licence in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The team performed a series of aerobatic manoeuvres, including loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the iconic DNA manoeuvre, showcasing precision, coordination and flying skills.
The aircraft flew at distances of less than five metres from each other during the formations, highlighting the high level of discipline, coordination and trust required for such displays.
The Hawk Mk 132 aircraft have also been fitted with indigenously developed smoke pods capable of producing saffron, white and green smoke. The modification was developed at the IAF’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik, enabling the team to create the colours of the national flag in the sky.
Established in 1996, SKAT is the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is among a select group of such teams globally.
The team has performed more than 800 displays in India and abroad and represented the IAF at international air shows in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the UAE.
Over the years, SKAT has emerged as an ambassador of the Indian Air Force, showcasing the force’s professionalism, precision and discipline while inspiring young people to consider careers in the armed forces.—(NVI)
