Suryakiran Aerobatic Team begins 2025 Gujarat tour with stunning air shows

Vadodara : The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force is set to dazzle Gujarat with a series of spectacular air shows in January 2025. Known for their precision and breathtaking maneuvers, the team will kick off their Gujarat tour in Vadodara on January 21 and 22, 2025. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Established in 1996, SKAT is Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team and one of the world’s elite aerobatic squads. Guided by their motto, “Sarvada Sarvottam” (Always the Best), the team has performed over 700 displays across India and abroad, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.

SKAT operates with nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft, license-manufactured in India, flying in close formation at distances of less than 5 meters. The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, with Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik as the Deputy Leader. The pilots undergo rigorous training to perfect complex aerobatic maneuvers, showcasing their skill and seamless coordination. The technical team is headed by Wing Commander Abhimanyu Tyagi, while Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu serves as the team’s commentator and administrator. Squadron Leader Sudarshan supports the team as its doctor.

Following the Vadodara air show, SKAT will perform in Jamnagar on January 25-26, Naliya on January 29, and Bhuj from January 31 to February 1, 2025. The team’s performances will feature mesmerizing aerobatic displays, including loops, rolls, head-on crosses, and inverted flying. A highlight of the show will be the DNA maneuver, where five aircraft form a helix-like structure in the sky, symbolizing DNA’s shape.

This Gujarat tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the mastery of the Suryakiran team, whose dedication and expertise continue to inspire audiences worldwide.