Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team to Dazzle Skies Above Somnath Temple During 75th Anniversary Celebrations

New Delhi, May 2026: The Indian Air Force’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is set to deliver a spectacular aerial display over the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Monday as part of the grand celebrations marking the shrine’s 75th anniversary. The event is expected to be one of the major highlights of the ongoing “Somnath Amritparva-2026” celebrations being organised at the revered temple town of Prabhas Patan.

The aerobatic show, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., will feature six Hawk Mk-132 fighter trainer aircraft performing synchronized formations and precision manoeuvres in the skies above the famous first Jyotirlinga temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present during the celebrations, adding further significance to the event.

According to Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma, the air show has been carefully planned to demonstrate the discipline, coordination and flying excellence of the Indian Air Force’s elite aerobatic squadron. The performance will involve a series of breathtaking aerial patterns, high-speed formations and synchronized manoeuvres designed to showcase the professionalism and operational capability of the force.

Popularly known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force,” the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team has earned international acclaim for its precision flying and visually stunning demonstrations. Since its formation in 1996, the squadron has performed in more than 800 air shows across India and abroad, including exhibitions in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The team operates the indigenously manufactured Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainer aircraft produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). During performances, the aircraft often maintain separation distances of less than five metres, a feat that requires extraordinary coordination, intense training and exceptional flying skill from the pilots.

The squadron currently comprises 13 highly trained pilots and is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, an accomplished Su-30 MKI fighter pilot with extensive operational experience. Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh serves as the deputy leader of the formation. The team functions under the motto “Sadaiva Sarvottam,” meaning “Always the Best,” reflecting its commitment to precision, discipline and operational excellence.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, who serves as the official commentator for the squadron, said the upcoming Somnath performance would be particularly historic as it marks the first-ever aerial aerobatic showcase above the temple complex. She noted that the Hawk aircraft used by the team are not only advanced training platforms for fighter pilots but are also capable of combat deployment during emergencies, wartime operations and missions in challenging terrain.

During the display, the aircraft are expected to fly at speeds ranging between 800 and 900 kilometres per hour. The performance will begin with all six aircraft taking off together before splitting into multiple formations to execute complex manoeuvres and synchronized aerial patterns in rapid succession.

Ground operations and coordination for the event will be overseen by Squadron Leader Aman Goyal. He will provide real-time updates to the pilots regarding wind conditions, aircraft positioning, operational safety and flight coordination throughout the display.

Authorities have also taken extensive safety precautions ahead of the event, particularly to minimize bird hazards during the air show. Dedicated Bird Hazard Control teams will remain stationed throughout the performance area, while local residents have been advised against disposing of food waste in open spaces to reduce bird movement near the flight path. Officials said that if required, non-harmful noise-based deterrent firecrackers may also be used to keep birds away from the operational zone.

Adding a patriotic visual spectacle to the performance, the Hawk aircraft have recently been fitted with indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik. These advanced systems enable the jets to release saffron, white and green smoke trails in the sky, creating vibrant tricolour patterns symbolising the Indian national flag.

The aerial display is expected to draw thousands of spectators and devotees, making it one of the most memorable events of the Somnath temple’s platinum jubilee celebrations.

Team Maverick.