Meerut: The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force took to the skies over Meerut for the first time on September 19 and 20, drawing more than one lakh spectators over the two-day air display. The audience included students, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers, turning the event into a major public outreach exercise for the Indian Air Force.
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Flying nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, the team showcased precision formations and manoeuvres including loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and its signature DNA manoeuvre. The aircraft maintained formations at distances of less than five metres, highlighting the precision, discipline and coordination required for aerobatic flying.
The display also showcased an indigenous modification to the Hawk aircraft. Smoke pods capable of producing saffron, white and green smoke have been developed in India at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik, allowing the team to reproduce the colours of the national flag during its displays. The Hawk Mk 132 itself is licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Meerut show carried a strong local connection, with three SKAT members, including two pilots who performed the aerobatics, belonging to the city. Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth witnessed the September 20 display and praised the team’s discipline, precision, teamwork and professionalism.
Established in 1996, SKAT has completed more than 800 air displays in India and abroad during its 30-year journey. It has represented the Indian Air Force at international air shows in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the UAE. The IAF describes the team as an ambassador of its professionalism and a means of inspiring young people to consider careers in the armed forces.
The Meerut display therefore combined aerobatic excellence, indigenous aerospace capability and defence outreach, giving the public direct exposure to the professionalism and flying skills of the Indian Air Force while showcasing an Indian-developed modification on the Hawk platform.
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