30 Years, 800 Air Shows: Inside IAF’s legendary Suryakiran team

From breathtaking tricolour streaks to precision flying just metres apart, the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team marks three decades of aerial excellence.

Photo credit: Gautam Nandrekar ( ASHBLOG)

The team was formed at Air Force Station Bidar in Karnataka in 1996 to become the public face of the IAF and showcase elite flying skills.

Photo credit: Anubhav Sharma (jetsetsnaps)

Over 800 air displays in 72 cities and multiple foreign countries have made Suryakiran one of Asia’s most recognised aerobatic teams.

Photo credit: ©Ravishekhar Vyakarnam.

Suryakiran currently flies Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainers painted in their iconic red-and-white colour scheme for maximum visual impact

Photo credit: Gautam Nandrekar ( ASHBLOG)

Pilots perform high-speed manoeuvres while flying barely five metres apart and enduring up to 6–7G forces during turn

Photo credit: Anubhav Sharma (jetsetsnaps)

From bomb bursts to heart formations and synchronized crossovers, Suryakiran’s aerobatics combine timing, teamwork and split-second precision.

Photo credit: Gautam Nandrekar ( ASHBLOG)

The IAF calls Suryakiran its “ambassadors,” inspiring youth, showcasing professionalism and strengthening public connect with the Air Force.

Photo credit: Anubhav Sharma ( jetsetsnaps)

The team has represented India in countries including Sri Lanka, UAE, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar through international aerial displays

Photo credit:©Ravishekhar Vyakarnam

Operating under No. 52 Squadron ‘The Sharks’, the team’s motto reflects its culture of discipline, precision and excellence.

Photo credit: Anubhav Sharma (jetsetsnaps)

Even after three decades, Suryakiran remains one of the strongest symbols of the Indian Air Force’s skill, teamwork and national pride.

Photo credit: Anubhav Sharma (jetsetsnaps)