Pune: IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team set to perform over Air Force Station today

The team flies nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft manufactured under license in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The formation’s breathtaking aerobatic displays are aimed at building confidence among citizens towards the capabilities of the IAF. The team’s pilots are selected twice a year for a three-year tour of duty from the fighter stream of the IAF.

The team conducted a mesmerising aerobatic display on Friday over the National Defense Academy celebrating the passing out of cadets of the 147th course after their convocation.

The airshow was led by group captain Ajay Dasarathi, who is an alumnus of the NDA belonging to 108th course Lima Squadron. The SKAT is set to perform in the skies of Air Force Station Lohegaon on Saturday around 1 pm where Punekars can witness the aerobatic manoeuvres performed by Hawk Mk 132 aircraft such as loops, rolls, crosses and inverted flying among others.

The current team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi in a Su-30 MKI pilot. The deputy leader is group captain Sidhesh Kartik. Other pilots include squadron leaders Jasdeep Singh, Himkhush Chandel, Ankit Vashisth, Vishnu, Diwakar Sharma and Gaurav Patel and wing commanders Rajesh Kajla, Arjun Patel, Kuldeep Hooda and Allen George. Their technical team is led by wing commander Abhimanyu Tyagi, Squadron leader Sandeep Dhayal and flight lieutenant Manil Sharma. The team’s commentator and administrator is flight lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu and the team’s doctor is squadron leader Sudharshan.