Convener News Desk
New Delhi, May 23: The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), the premier aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force, continues to showcase the professionalism, precision, and operational excellence of the force as it marks nearly three decades since its formation in 1996.
Based at Air Force Station Bidar, the team was established to demonstrate the capabilities and discipline of the Indian Air Force through synchronised aerobatic displays.
SKAT initially flew the iconic HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk II aircraft, from which the team derived its name “Suryakiran,” meaning “Rays of the Sun.” Over the years, the team became one of the most recognised symbols of the Indian Air Force through its performances across the country.
In May 2006, the team was formally designated as 52 Squadron “Sharks,” carrying forward the legacy of the erstwhile MiG-21 FL squadron.
In 2015, SKAT transitioned to the more advanced BAE Systems Hawk Mk-132 aircraft, licence-produced by hal-india.co.in.
The induction of the Hawk aircraft enhanced the team’s display capabilities with modern avionics, improved manoeuvrability, and smoke-generation systems.
Over the years, the team has performed hundreds of aerial displays across India and abroad, representing the Indian Air Force at major air shows, national celebrations, and international aviation events.
SKAT has performed in countries including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Among its notable milestones are participation in multiple editions of Aero India, international aerial displays, the massive air show over Chennai witnessed by an estimated 1.7 million spectators, and the team’s first-ever aerial display over the Himalayas in 2026.
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