Aero India: Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team to radiate Bengaluru skies again

From the graceful loop and the thrilling barrel roll to the gravity-defying inverted flying and the crowd-favourite DNA manoeuvre, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will once again enthrall visitors at the upcoming Aero India 2025, which is being held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka from February 10 to 14.

The SKAT team who will be flying the striking red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 jets have recently integrated smoke pods to the aircraft which can produce colored smoke.

Indigenous modification

“The recent integration of smoke pods with the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, capable of producing colored smoke, is a significant indigenous modification developed in India at an IAF’s Base and allows the team to display the three colors of the national flag across the sky during their aerial performances,” the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

It added that this enhancement not only adds visual impact to the displays but also serves as a powerful symbol of national pride, celebrating India’s achievements in aerospace engineering and innovation.

Established in 1996, SKAT holds the coveted title of being the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia, and is one of the few elite aerobatic teams in the world.

Over 700 displays

This team has performed over 700 displays across India, while also representing the professionalism of the IAF at international air shows in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.

The Surya Kiran team comprises nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft licensed in India flying in extremely close proximity at a distance of less than 5 meters. There are 14 pilots in the team. The team leader is Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot. The Deputy Leader is Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik. The pilots undergo intensive training to master complex aerobatic manoeuvres, with their expertise and flawless coordination forming the foundation of the close formation flying.