IAF's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team marks 30 years at Air Force Station Bidar
The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team marked its 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar, Karnataka, on 26 May 2026, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flying with the team.
Summary
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), the IAF's formation aerobatic team, celebrated its 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on 26 May 2026. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and AOC-in-C Training Command Air Marshal S Shrinivas attended and flew with the team in the commemorative display. A 'Hollow Diamond' formation was flown in memory of team members lost over the years. Formed in 1996 at Bidar, the team has performed over 800 air displays in India and abroad. It flies the Hawk Mk-132 in red-and-white livery, and its motto is 'Sadaiva Sarvottam' (Always the Best).
Key facts
- Occasion
- 30th anniversary, 26 May 2026
- Venue
- Air Force Station Bidar, Karnataka
- Formed
- 1996 at Bidar
- Displays
- Over 800 in India and abroad
- Aircraft
- Hawk Mk-132 (red-and-white livery)
- Motto
- 'Sadaiva Sarvottam' – Always the Best
- Flew with team
- CAS Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; AOC-in-C Training Command Air Marshal S Shrinivas
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which aircraft does the IAF's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team fly, as stated at its 30th anniversary in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Hawk Mk-132
The team flies the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its red-and-white livery.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, which marked 30 years on 26 May 2026, was formed in which year and at which station?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1996, Bidar
The team was formed in 1996 at Bidar, where its 30th anniversary was celebrated at Air Force Station Bidar.