The Ministry of Defence announced that the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force performed an aerial display over Meerut on September 19 and 20, 2026. This was the first time the team had performed in Meerut’s skies. More than one lakh spectators, including students, National Cadet Corps cadets and National Service Scheme volunteers, attended the two-day event.
The Display and the Team
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team flew nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, which are licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aircraft performed a range of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the DNA manoeuvre. The jets maintained formation flying at distances of less than five metres apart.
A notable feature of this year’s display was the use of coloured smoke pods integrated into the aircraft. These were developed at the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik. The smoke allowed the jets to paint the sky in the colours of the Indian flag—saffron, white and green.
The team itself was established in 1996 and remains the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia. Over its 30-year history, it has performed in more than 800 air shows across India and internationally, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, the UAE and Dubai. Three members of the team who performed in Meerut, including two pilots, are from the city.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the display. Other dignitaries present included Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpai, UP Minister of State Somendra Tomar, and Members of the Legislative Council Ashwini Tyagi and Dharmendra Bhardwaj.
What This Means for You
If you live in or near Meerut, you witnessed a rare showcase of Indian military aviation capability and indigenous aerospace development. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team uses Indian-manufactured aircraft and Indian-developed technology, demonstrating the professionalism and precision of the Indian Air Force. The team aims to inspire young people to consider careers in the Defence Forces.