New Delhi: On 26 May, 1996, a nascent formation of trainer jets, assembled at the Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka, were tasked with a tall mandate: to serve as the public face of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and showcase the peak of pilot precision.
Today, the legendary Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) officially marks 30 years of breathtaking excellence, transitioning from its humble origins into one of Asia’s premier nine-aircraft aerobatic display teams.Operating under the motto ‘Sadaiva Sarvottama’ (Always the Best), the team functions as part of the IAF’s No. 52 Squadron, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Sharks’. Over three decades, SKAT has executed more than 800 displays in 72 cities across India and internationally, enthralling millions with its hallmark close-formation loops, barrel rolls, and synchronised cross-overs.
The SKAT began with just four aircraft under its first team leader—Wing Commander Kuldeep Malik—before expanding to six for its inaugural public debut at Coimbatore on 15 September, 1996.
Catch the Suryakiran action live at Somnath on 11th May, 11 am onwards!#gujarat #somnath #skat #saurashtra #aviation pic.twitter.com/CjgLDSJqsy— Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (@Suryakiran_IAF) May 10, 2026
