KOCHI : Marking a historic milestone in Indian aviation history, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) premier Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) took to the skies of Meerut for the very first time on September 19 and 20, 2026, captivating a massive turnout of over one lakh spectators, including enthusiastic students, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers over the two-day event. Adding a profound sense of local pride to the grand occasion, three members of the SKAT contingent—including two star aerobatic pilots—hail directly from Meerut. On September 20, the magnificent airshow was witnessed by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, who took to social media to describe the performance as an extraordinary display of discipline, precision, teamwork, and professionalism, while commending SKAT’s remarkable legacy of over 800 airshows across India and international arenas throughout its 30-year journey since establishment in 1996. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath also praised the courage and flawless execution of the pilots who painted the skies in the vibrant hues of the Tricolour, calling it a deeply inspiring moment for the state and the nation. The high-profile event was further graced by esteemed dignitaries including 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.
Fresh from the conclusion of its rigorous training season, SKAT deployed its signature formation of nine distinct red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The squadron executed breathtaking manoeuvres—including synchronized loops, thrilling barrel rolls, inverted flight passes, and the iconic DNA formation—flying in ultra-close proximity at distances of less than five meters to showcase absolute mutual trust, discipline, and elite flying skill. A striking highlight of the display was the use of indigenously developed smoke pods, engineered at the IAF’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik, which enabled the aircraft to trail saffron, white, and green smoke across the horizon. As Asia’s sole nine-aircraft aerobatic team and global ‘Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force’, SKAT continues to inspire the nation’s youth toward careers in the defence forces while exemplifying the highest standards of professional excellence.
