The Hyderabad skies are about to get a lot louder, a lot faster, and infinitely more colorful.
This week, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) premier aerobatic unit, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), is making a triumphant return to the city. Scheduled to perform on June 11 and 13, the team will take to the skies over the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal as the grand highlight of the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP).
If you’ve ever wanted to witness the absolute pinnacle of military aviation precision, this is your front-row seat. Here is everything you need to know about the daredevils set to dazzle Hyderabad.
Who are the “Ambassadors in the Sky”?
Established in 1996 and permanently based at Air Force Station Bidar in neighboring Karnataka, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is pure aviation royalty. They hold the coveted title of being the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia, placing them in an elite global club alongside squads like the Red Arrows (UK) and the Blue Angels (US).
Over the last three decades—having just celebrated their milestone 30th anniversary—SKAT has served as India’s premier military exhibition team. They have clocked more than 800 displays across 72+ cities globally, representing the nation in countries like the UAE, Singapore, China, and Sri Lanka.
The Machine and the Mind-Boggling Math
The team operates nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, advanced jet trainers built right here in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). While these jets are primarily used to train the next generation of IAF fighter pilots, in the hands of the Surya Kiran team, they become instruments of pure magic.
During a performance, 12 elite pilots (led by veteran Su-30 MKI pilot Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi) push these machines to their absolute limits. Consider this: when flying in their tightest formations, the wingtips of these roaring jets are merely 5 meters apart. At speeds crossing hundreds of kilometers per hour, there is zero room for error. It is a masterclass in trust, discipline, and split-second reflexes.
What to Look Out For: Formations & The Tricolour Smoke
The show kicks off with a signature synchronized takeoff, with the jets launching in groups of three before seamlessly merging into a massive, unified formation mid-air.
Once airborne, the pilots will execute a breathtaking sequence of loops, rolls, and dives. Keep your eyes peeled for these crowd favorites:
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The Classics: Cross-Overs, Close-Trail Loops, Barrel Rolls, and Inverted Passes that will leave your heart in your mouth.
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Themed Shapes: Beautifully coordinated maneuvers creating the Tejas, Yuva, and the crowd-pleasing Heart Formation.
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The Grand Finale: The DNA Tricolour Formation.
Thanks to indigenous smoke pods developed at the IAF Base Repair Depot in Nashik, the team will paint the Hyderabad sky with massive, billowing trails of saffron, white, and green. It’s a sight that guarantees goosebumps.
How to Catch the Action
The team is performing on Thursday, June 11, and Saturday, June 13, as part of the graduation ceremonies for the IAF’s newest officers.
While access to the Air Force Academy grounds during the parade is strictly regulated, the sheer scale of the aerial display means that residents living in and around the Dundigal, Kompally, and Medchal areas will get an incredible view of the practice runs and the final show just by looking up.
