The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team made its first-ever appearance over Meerut on 19 and 20 September 2026, drawing more than one lakh spectators across two days. Students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and residents gathered in large numbers to watch the nine-aircraft formation perform a series of precision aerobatic manoeuvres over the city.
The event marked a significant first for Meerut and brought one of the Indian Air Force’s most recognisable flying formations to the city. Adding a local connection, three members of the Suryakiran team are from Meerut, including two pilots who participated in the aerobatic display.
Nine Hawk Mk 132 Aircraft Take to the Skies
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team flew nine distinctive red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft during the display. The aircraft are licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and form the backbone of the team’s precision aerobatic operations.
The display included loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the team’s well-known DNA manoeuvre. The aircraft flew in extremely close formation, at times maintaining separation of less than five metres, requiring precise control, discipline and complete coordination among the pilots.
The formations demonstrated both the handling capabilities of the Hawk Mk 132 and the level of training required to conduct complex manoeuvres safely at close proximity.
Indigenous Smoke Pod Modification Adds Tricolour Display
A notable feature of the Meerut display was the use of coloured smoke in saffron, white and green. The effect was produced through specially modified smoke pods integrated with the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft.
The modification was developed in India at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik. The system enables the Suryakiran aircraft to release coloured smoke during manoeuvres, allowing the team to create aerial patterns in the colours of the national flag.
The modification adds a distinctive visual dimension to the team’s public performances while also reflecting the Indian Air Force’s ability to develop specialised modifications for its aircraft within its own maintenance and engineering network.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Witnesses Second-Day Display
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth attended the display on 20 September and described the performance as a demonstration of discipline, precision, teamwork and professionalism. He also highlighted the Suryakiran team’s three-decade history and its record of more than 800 air shows in India and abroad.
The event was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpai, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Somendra Tomar, and Members of the Legislative Council Ashwini Tyagi and Dharmendra Bhardwaj.
On the opening day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the team’s precision and described the display as a proud and inspiring moment for the state.
Meerut Hosts Suryakiran for the First Time
The Meerut performance came soon after the completion of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team’s 2026 training season and provided the team with an opportunity to unveil its latest formation before a large public audience.
For many spectators, particularly students and young cadets, the event offered a close view of Indian Air Force flying skills that are usually seen only at major air shows or ceremonial events.
The presence of NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and students also reflected one of the broader purposes of Suryakiran displays: to generate interest in aviation and inspire young people to consider careers in the armed forces.
Three Decades of Suryakiran
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team was established in 1996 and has since become one of the most recognisable formations of the Indian Air Force. It holds the distinction of being Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team and is among a small number of such large formation teams operating internationally.
Over the past 30 years, Suryakiran has performed more than 800 displays across India and overseas. The team has represented the Indian Air Force at international air shows and events in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Its role extends beyond aerobatics. Suryakiran acts as a public face of the Indian Air Force, demonstrating precision flying, teamwork, training standards and professional discipline before audiences in India and abroad.
More Than an Air Show
The Meerut display combined public outreach with a demonstration of Indian Air Force flying capability. The use of nine aircraft in tightly coordinated formations, indigenous modifications such as the coloured smoke pods and the participation of pilots with local connections gave the event a distinctive character.
For the spectators who gathered over the two days, the display offered a direct view of the precision and coordination required in military aviation. For the Indian Air Force, it provided another opportunity to showcase the professionalism of its pilots and the capabilities of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
References
Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Defence — Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Takes to Meerut Skies for the First Time, 20 September 2026
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Indian Air Force — Suryakiran Aerobatic Team
https://indianairforce.nic.in/
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