The prestigious Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force will celebrate its 30th anniversary on May 26 in Bidar, marking three decades of air display and precision aerobatics in India and abroad.
Popularly known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”, the nine-aircraft formation aerobatic team has enthralled millions with its synchronised low-level manoeuvres and close formation flying displays.
The Suryakiran team was formed on May 27, 1996, at Air Force Station Bidar and initially operated the Kiran Mk-II aircraft. The team made its public debut at Coimbatore in September 1996, with an air display that marked the beginning of its journey in precision aerobatics.
The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performs manoeuvres during a full-dress rehearsal ahead of the team's 30th anniversary commemoration, in Bengaluru.
Over the last 30 years, the team has conducted more than 800 air displays across India and in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2015, the team has been operating the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its signature red-and-white colour scheme and nine-aircraft formation.
The anniversary celebrations to be held at Air Force Station Bidar will pay tribute to the spirit of the Indian Air Force and the contribution of all members of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team in making it one of the finest aerobatic teams in the world, said a press release.