Gujarat: Surya Kiran to dazzle crowds at Somnath with aerobatic display

Ahmedabad: The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will present an aerobatic show over Somnath Temple on May 10 and 11 as part of the temple’s 75th anniversary celebrations, according to a release issued by the public relations officer (PRO) of the defence ministry.

The six-aircraft formation will carry out synchronized aerial manoeuvres using Hawk Mk-132 jet trainers over the Somnath coastline. The event is expected to draw visitors, aviation enthusiasts and local residents.

Formed in 1996, SKAT is among a select group of military aerobatic teams globally and has conducted more than 800 air displays across the country. The team has also represented the Indian Air Force at international air shows in countries including Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China and the UAE.

The aircraft used by the team are licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). During aerobatic formations, pilots maintain close separation distances while executing coordinated manoeuvres that require extensive training and precision flying.

The team currently comprises 13 pilots and is led by group captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot. Wing commander Tejeshwar Singh serves as deputy leader.

According to the release, the aircraft have recently been fitted with indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force’s base repair depot in Nashik. The system enables the jets to emit saffron, white and green smoke trails during performances.

The defence PRO stated that the display at Somnath forms part of the broader commemorative events linked to the temple’s 75th anniversary celebrations.