Meerut: The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force performed over the skies of Meerut for the first time on September 19 and 20, 2026, drawing more than 1 lakh spectators over the two-day air display.
The spectacular performance attracted students, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and members of the public, who gathered to witness the Indian Air Force’s aerobatic capabilities.
The event also had a special connection with Meerut, as three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who participated in the aerobatic display, are from Meerut.
Over 1 Lakh People Witness SKAT Display in Meerut
The two-day air show gave spectators an opportunity to witness the precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
The display featured the team’s nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, which performed a series of aerobatic manoeuvres over Meerut.
The event attracted:
- More than 1 lakh spectators over two days.
- Students from educational institutions.
- NCC cadets.
- NSS volunteers.
- Local residents and other visitors.
The performance showcased the discipline, coordination and flying skills associated with the Indian Air Force’s aerobatic displays.
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Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth Witnesses Display
On September 20, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth witnessed the SKAT performance in Meerut.
In a post on X, Seth described the display as a combination of discipline, precision, teamwork and professionalism, highlighting it as a demonstration of the capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
He also praised the courage and dedication of the Suryakiran team, which has completed more than 800 air displays in India and abroad during its 30-year journey.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Praises SKAT Pilots
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also praised the aerobatic display after witnessing the first day of the event.
In his post on X, he highlighted the precision and courage of the SKAT pilots and said the aircraft showcased the colours of the Tricolour in the sky.
The performance was described as a proud and inspiring moment for Uttar Pradesh and the country.
Other Dignitaries Attend Meerut Air Show
Several other public representatives and dignitaries also witnessed the air display.
Those attending included:
- Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpai
- Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Somendra Tomar
- Legislative Council Member Ashwini Tyagi
- Legislative Council Member Dharmendra Bhardwaj
Their presence added to the significance of the first SKAT display in Meerut.
SKAT Performs Advanced Aerobatic Manoeuvres
Following the successful completion of its 2026 training season, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team presented its latest formation to the people of Meerut.
Flying nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, the team performed several demanding aerobatic manoeuvres, including:
- Loops
- Barrel rolls
- Inverted flying
- The iconic DNA manoeuvre
- Close-formation flying
The performances demonstrated the high degree of coordination and flying precision required for aerobatic displays.
Aircraft Fly Less Than Five Metres Apart
One of the most striking aspects of a Suryakiran display is the extremely close formation maintained by the aircraft.
The Hawk aircraft fly at a distance of less than five metres from each other during certain manoeuvres.
Such close-proximity flying requires exceptional flying skills, discipline, coordination and complete trust among the pilots forming the team.
The precision involved in maintaining the formation makes each manoeuvre a demonstration of the pilots’ training and teamwork.
Hawk Mk 132 Aircraft Feature Indigenous Smoke Modification
The SKAT team operates Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, which are licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The aircraft have also received an indigenous modification involving the integration of smoke pods capable of producing coloured smoke.
The modification was developed in India at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot, Nashik.
The system allows the aircraft to produce coloured smoke in saffron, white and green, enabling the team to create the colours of the Indian national flag during its aerial displays.
Suryakiran Team Has Completed More Than 800 Displays
Established in 1996, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has completed more than 800 displays in India and abroad.
The team has represented the Indian Air Force at air shows in several countries, including:
- China
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar
- Thailand
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- Dubai
The team is recognised as the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is among the select aerobatic teams of its kind globally.
SKAT Acts as Ambassador of the Indian Air Force
Beyond its aerial performances, Suryakiran plays a role in showcasing the professionalism and capabilities of the Indian Air Force to audiences in India and overseas.
The team is known as an “Ambassador of the Indian Air Force”, representing the service’s values of precision, discipline, teamwork and dedication.
Its displays also provide young people with an opportunity to see the professionalism of the Indian Air Force and can encourage them to consider careers in the Defence Forces.
Meerut Air Display Highlights Indian Air Force’s Aerobatic Capabilities
The first Suryakiran Aerobatic Team display in Meerut brought together the public, students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and dignitaries for a two-day aviation spectacle.
With more than 1 lakh people attending, the event showcased the capabilities of the Indian Air Force through close-formation flying, advanced aerobatic manoeuvres and Tricolour smoke displays.
The participation of three SKAT members from Meerut, including two performing pilots, added a local connection to the event and made the display particularly significant for the city.
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