The first air show took place at Krantidhara under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan; the aerobatics of nine Hawk jets enthralled thousands of spectators
The sky was adorned with the tricolour, as three bravehearts from Meerut added to the city's pride by participating in an Air Force display
Meerut, September 2026 : Nine fighter aircraft together. Formations changing in the blink of an eye. At times, flights appearing to skim the ground and at others, inverted aerobatics in the sky. Then, two aircraft advanced towards each other and crossed one another in the blink of an eye. A similar spectacle unfolded on Saturday at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur. When the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team chose the skies over Meerut as its performance arena for the first time, thousands of people kept their eyes fixed upwards. Amid the roar of the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft, saffron, white and green trails appeared in the sky, and the entire atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour amid chants of Vande Mataram.
The historic air show, organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan on the initiative of the Central and state Yogi governments, filled everyone from children to the elderly with excitement.
Taking off from Hindon Air Base, nine Hawk jet aircraft reached the skies over Meerut at around 10:25 am. Spectators present at the venue welcomed the aircraft with applause and chants of Jai Hind and Vande Mataram. Earlier, people had started arriving at the New Integrated Township from 7:30 am. Students from more than a dozen schools, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers arrived to witness this thrilling moment. Doctors, traders and entrepreneurs also enjoyed the historic display with their families.
The Suryakiran aircraft demonstrated such coordination in the sky that the applause from spectators grew louder with every manoeuvre. The nine aircraft first flew in a V-shaped formation, then dispersed in different directions and, within moments, formed a precise formation again. Loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the DNA manoeuvre heightened the excitement. People held their breath as they watched the aircraft fly with precision at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet. When two jets advanced towards each other and crossed one another at the last moment, the venue reverberated with applause.
Saffron, white and green trails behind the aircraft coloured the sky in the hues of the Tricolour. These smoke pods have been developed at the Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik. Amid the aerial manoeuvres, the sight of the Tricolour was a special attraction for children.
The air show held in Meerut also had a direct connection with the city. Three Squadron Leaders from Meerut are part of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh performed aerobatics while flying Hawk jets in the sky, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal was responsible for managing the entire display from the ground. Seeing three bravehearts from their own city become part of this historic event further heightened the enthusiasm of the spectators.
The event, organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan of the Yogi government, went beyond entertainment to convey a message of national service and discipline to the youth. Schoolchildren witnessed the capability, courage and technical proficiency of the Indian Air Force firsthand. Through such events, efforts are being made to increase a sense of responsibility towards the nation among the youth and their interest in the defence services.
Suryakiran is the aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force and is part of 52 Squadron. It was established in 1996. The team has 13 pilots, while nine pilots fly together during displays. Pilots with experience in flying fighter aircraft are selected for the team. Having thrilled audiences with its aerial manoeuvres in different parts of the country, Suryakiran made its first display in Meerut. According to Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Laxmikant Vajpayee, the proposal to organise an air show in Meerut was sent on May 13, and it received official approval on September 8.
As soon as the Suryakiran aircraft changed formation in the sky, a wave of excitement swept through the schoolchildren. Some waved their hands to greet the pilots, while others pointed their mobile phone cameras towards the sky and remained busy recording every manoeuvre.
Anubhav, who came to watch the air show, said, “I saw fighter aircraft flying from such close quarters for the first time. When the two aircraft came face-to-face, I literally stopped breathing. Now I also want to pursue a career in the Air Force.”
Student Ananya said, “The Yogi government has filled the youth with enthusiasm by introducing them to the Air Force. I felt very proud seeing the aircraft fly amid trails in the colours of the Tricolour. I will remember this day more than any chapter studied at school.”Young people competed to capture every thrilling moment on camera.
In view of the large number of people expected to attend the programme, the district administration made special arrangements to ensure smooth traffic management. Parking facilities were arranged for vehicles, while drinking water was made available for the convenience of spectators.
To strengthen security arrangements, an area within a radius of 10 nautical miles, or approximately 18.5 kilometres, around Mohiuddinpur has been declared a temporary Red and No-Flying Zone until September 21. Flying drones, remotely operated aircraft, hot-air balloons and other UAVs will remain prohibited in this area.
During the air show, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Laxmikant Vajpayee, District Magistrate Dr. VK Singh, CDO Nupur Goyal, ADM City, Municipal Commissioner, along with senior officers and employees of all departments, were present.
