A ‘flare’ for the dramatic: Skies of IAF steel in air show over Chandigarh.

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic team, the Suryakiran, transformed the skyline over Sukhna Lake into a theatre of precision flying on Friday, drawing thousands of spectators for a high-octane display of aerial supremacy.

The display, featuring the iconic Hawk Mk-132 transonic jets, served as a masterclass in synchronised manoeuvres and tactical coordination, marking one of the largest aviation events in the region this year. Powered by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk-951 turbofan engine, the advanced jet trainer (AJT) is used by the SKAT team for its high manoeuvrability and reliability in low-altitude aerobatics.


Precision at the Limit

Flying in tight formations that left little room for error, the pilots executed a series of high-G maneuvers, including barrel rolls and loops. The sequence featured the team's signature "DNA" and "Heart" formations, alongside a heart-pounding high-speed cross that saw jets pass within meters of one another. Every pass by the nine-aircraft formation demonstrated the split-second timing and situational awareness required of the elite squadron, known globally as the "Suryakiran" (Sunrays).

A Tricolored Horizon

The climax of the display saw the formation leader signal "smoke on," trailing the saffron, white, and green of the Indian national flag across the cloudy horizon. The synchronised smoke trails, paired with the thunderous roar of the Adour engines, drew sustained applause from the packed lakefront. "The execution reflected the highest standards of professionalism within the Indian Air Force," a spokesperson said, noting that the event required flawless coordination between ground control and the cockpits.

A Public Spectacle

The air show turned the scenic Sukhna Lake into a pulsating arena, attracting a diverse crowd of residents, tourists, and aviation enthusiasts. For many attendees, the display was a rare opportunity to witness the technical capabilities of the Hawk Mk-132, a lead-in fighter trainer used to prepare pilots for front-line combat aircraft. The event concluded with a low-level flypast, leaving a lingering canopy of colorful contrails over the Chandigarh skyline.

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