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Jaw-Dropping Spectacle: Surya Kiran Air Show in Ranchi
Today, I had
the extraordinary opportunity to witness the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team
(SKAT) of the Indian Air Force perform at the Army Grounds in Khoja Toli,
Namkum, on the outskirts of Ranchi. This elite team of nine aircraft executed a
stunning display of aerial acrobatics, showcasing their skills and precision in
a performance that left the audience truly spellbound.
The show was
a brilliant effort by the Indian Air Force, supported by the local
administration, which had extensively promoted the event across the city.
Schools were invited to send their students to experience the show firsthand —
resulting in a massive turnout and an electrifying atmosphere.
The
nine-aircraft formation, flown by the most skilled pilots of the Indian Air
Force, performed breathtaking maneuvers with just five meters of space between
the jets. The sky turned into a canvas as the aircraft trailed vibrant streaks
of the Indian tricolor, drawing gasps and thunderous applause from the crowd.
An IAF
commentator guided the audience through the spectacle, directing attention to
new formations and maneuvers as jets zoomed in from different angles — some
flying upside down, others crisscrossing in tight formations. Every move was a
masterclass in precision and teamwork, evoking awe and national pride.
The event
not only thrilled the public but also aimed to inspire the youth to consider
careers in the armed forces. With over 700 performances in India and abroad —
including Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, and China — the Surya Kiran team is a
shining example of India’s aviation excellence.
Among the
highlights were the DNA formation, the thrilling “Hide and Seek”
routine by two jets, and the “Y” formation — a symbolic tribute to the youth of
the nation. Students and young spectators erupted in cheers, their voices
matching the roar of the jet engines.
Capturing
this fast-paced show was a challenge in itself. I used a 400mm lens on auto
mode with high-speed servo FPS and shutter to ensure I didn’t miss any moment —
and managed to get some striking shots that tell the story of this incredible
event.
The aircraft
used by the Surya Kiran team is the Hawk Mk 132 — a British-origin advanced jet
trainer inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2008. Originally supplied by BAE
Systems, further production has been taken over by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL). Currently, the IAF operates 123 such trainers. It is to be noted
that ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team’ was formed in the IAF in 1996. It is a nine
aircraft aerobatic team and is only one of its kind in Asia.
These
two-seater jets are designed for advanced combat training, enabling pilots to
simulate real combat scenarios across air, land, and sea. The Hawk Mk 132
measures 40.9 feet in length, with a wingspan of 32.7 feet and a maximum
takeoff weight of 9,100 kg. It can reach speeds of up to 1,028 km/h, fly 2,520
km in a single sortie, and reach altitudes of 13,565 feet.
The city of
Ranchi is still buzzing from this mind-blowing experience — a reminder of the
strength, precision, and spirit of our Indian Air Force.
In the
picture: The breathtaking aerial formations by the Surya Kiran Team of IAF.
📷 & ✍️ Text
and Photos by Ashok Karan
👉 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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