Three decades of precision: IAF’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team turns 30

The Indian Air Force’s elite Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) — an ensemble of iconic red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 jets, known for performing jaw-dropping manoeuvres in the skies, completed 30 years on Tuesday.

From its debut in 1996, it has been part of over 800 breathtaking displays across India and abroad, including marquee events in the country — Aero India and Air Force Day.

“Celebrating 30 years of precision, passion and pride. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force commemorates its 30th Anniversary on 26 May, 2026, at Air Force Station Bidar, Karnataka,” the IAF posted on X.

“From its debut in 1996 to over 800 breathtaking displays across India and abroad, SKAT continues to inspire with unmatched professionalism, precision flying and teamwork. Living by their motto ‘Sadaiva Sarvottam’ meaning ‘Always the Best’, the team symbolises the spirit and excellence of the Indian Air Force,” it said.

The IAF also shared a video clip marking the anniversary, in which the force described SKAT as “the ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”.

On May 11, the team performed in the skies of Somnath in Gujarat, to mark the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, which commemorated 75 years since the inauguration of the rebuilt temple by the then President Rajendra Prasad.

During his visit to Somnath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his deputy Harsh Sanghavi, watched the airshow performed by the aerobatic team over the temple.

Using indigenous smoke pods, the jets of the team released saffron, white and green smoke to create the image of the tricolour in the sky. Last year, on April 23, the elite aerobatic team had painted the Patna skies red as its Hawk Mk-132 jets performed jaw-dropping manoeuvres over the banks of the Ganga River to mark ‘Shaurya Diwas’.

The day celebrates the valour displayed by freedom fighter from Bihar, Veer Kunwar Singh, during the First War of Independence in 1857.

This was the first time the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed in the Capital of Bihar. Prior to the Patna show, the SKAT also performed at the Namkum Army Ground in Ranchi on April 19-20 in 2025.

The Surya Kiran team has represented the Indian Air Force in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, officials said.