The Aerobatics seen on Mumbai skies between January 12 -14, 2024 was performed by various aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. Within the realm of aerial prowess, the Indian Air Force proudly hosts three distinguished teams: the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, and Akashganga (Free-fall and Parachute display).
Aerobatics performances of the 9 military trainer aircraft (HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2) was performed by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) which is the aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. The last time Suryakiran Aerobatic Team SKAT performed in the Mumbai skies was during the International Fleet Review in Mumbai in February 2001.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was formed in 1996 and are a part of the 52nd Squadron of the IAF. Established in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is an integral part of the 52nd Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Renowned for their breathtaking aerial displays featuring nine aircraft, the team initially operated the HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 military trainer aircraft until 2011, stationed at the Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka. However, the team faced a temporary suspension in February 2011, only to make a triumphant comeback in 2015 with the advanced Hawk Mk-132 aircraft.
The Surya Kiran Formation Aerobatic Team (SKAT) flew its first 6 aircraft formation sortie on 27 May 1996 at Bidar Air Force Station which is also its primary base location. Comprising a fleet of 20 aircraft and led by a skilled team of 14 pilots, the squad has consistently pushed the boundaries of aerial excellence.
The SKAT’s twitter handle took to X on January 12 to announce that it will be back in the city of dreams after 20 years. The team, guided by the motto “सदैव सर्वोत्तम – Sadaiva Sarvōttama” (Sanskrit: “Always the Best”), continues to captivate audiences with their precision and artistry in the captivating realm of aerobatic displays.
The Helicopter performance was led by Sarang Helicopter Display Team. Named after peacock (Sanskrit: सारंग, lit. ’peacock’), Sarang is the helicopter air display team of the Indian Air Force.
This esteemed aerobatic display team, consisting of 14 officers and 32 airmen is stationed at the Sulur Air Force Station in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Renowned for their skillful performances featuring four modified HAL Dhruv helicopters, also known as Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Sarang continues to captivate audiences with their breathtaking maneuvers and synchronized formations.
And Finally the Freefall and Skydiving was performed by the Team Akashganga of the Indian Air Force. Established in August 1987, Akash Ganga stands as the illustrious skydiving team of the Indian Air Force, boasting a formidable lineup of 124 skilled members. The team’s name, “Akash Ganga,” finds its roots in Hindi, roughly translating to “The Ganga of the sky”, an ancient Hindi name for the Milky Way as viewed from the Earth.
The one-hour-long aerial display on each day between January 12- 14, 2024 was viewed from the iconic 3 km long sea-facing Marine Drive in Mumbai.
Comment down if you also were a part of the audience at Marine drive and were a witness to the awe-inspiring aerial displays that graced the skies and what are your thoughts on the heart-stopping maneuvers and precision showcased by the team?