This is one of those defence stories which feels genuinely proud to read,not some routine ceremony only . Air Chief Marshal A.P . Singh celebrating 30th anniversary of Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) by actually flying with them at Air Force Station Bidar on May 26,2026 feels like proper emotional moment.
And honestly,Suryakiran Aerobatic Team is not just about aircraft doing stunts in sky . For many people,it is that red-and-white flash above them which instantly gives goosebumps and reminds them of Indian Air Force discipline,training and courage.
The team was formed in 1996 and has performed over 800 air displays since then . That is not small thing ah,especially when these displays have been seen not just in India but internationally also.
During anniversary event,Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew alongside team,which says lot about bond and confidence inside squadron . Aerobatics look beautiful from ground,but behind that beauty there is insane timing,trust and zero room for casual mistakes.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) completed 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on May 26,2026.
- Team has performed over 800 air displays since its formation in 1996 .
- Their motto 'Sadaiva Sarvottam' shows commitment to being best .
But most emotional part seems to be 'Hollow Diamond' formation . That formation honored brave aviators who lost their lives during team’s journey,and tbh,this is where celebration also becomes remembrance.
There was also recent display above historic Somnath Temple on May 11,attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . He praised performance as magnificent confluence of pride and valor,which filled hearts of onlookers with joy.
And when Suryakiran Team flies Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in that iconic red-and-white livery,it becomes more than air show . It becomes national feeling in motion,something kids look at and maybe think,“I want to fly like that one day.”
At same time,behind every perfect formation there are risks,training hours and families quietly carrying their own fears . So while everyone looks forward to next decade of Suryakiran Team,one thought stays hanging… how much courage does it really take to make sky look so effortless…
