Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team to celebrate 30th anniversary on May 26 at Bidar

The Indian Air Force’s prestigious Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Bidar on May 26, marking three decades of airshow and precision aerobatic activities in India and abroad.

The nine-aircraft aerobatic team, popularly known as “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”, has mesmerized millions with its synchronized low level maneuvers and close formation flying displays.

The Suryakiran team was established at Bidar Air Force Station on 27 May 1996 and initially operated Kiran Mk-II aircraft. The team made its public debut in Coimbatore in September 1996, with an air show that marked the beginning of its precision aerobatic journey.

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performs maneuvers during a full dress rehearsal ahead of the team’s 30th anniversary commemoration ceremony in Bengaluru.

The team has conducted more than 800 air shows over the last 30 years across India and in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The team has been operating the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its distinctive red-white color scheme and nine-aircraft layout since 2015.

The anniversary celebrations to be held at Air Force Station Bidar will pay tribute to the spirit of the Indian Air Force and the contribution of all members of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team in making it one of the best aerobatic teams in the world, a press release said.