IAF chief AP Singh flies with Suryakiran team at 30th anniversary
Synopsis
India's top air force officer didn't just attend the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team's 30th anniversary — he flew with them. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh's participation in the aerial display at Bidar, alongside a 'Hollow Diamond' tribute to fallen pilots, underscores how central SKAT has become to the IAF's identity after 800 displays across three decades.
Key Takeaways
Air Chief Marshal A.P.
Singh flew with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team at Air Force Station Bidar on 26 May 2025 to mark the team's 30th anniversary .
Shrinivas , Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, also participated in the event.
A 'Hollow Diamond' formation was flown as a tribute to SKAT members who lost their lives during the team's history.
SKAT has completed over 800 air displays since its formation in 1996 at Bidar, flying the Hawk Mk-132 in red-and-white livery.
On 11 May 2025 , SKAT performed over the Somnath Temple in the presence of PM Narendra Modi during the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, marked the 30th Anniversary of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) by taking to the skies alongside the team's pilots at Air Force Station Bidar on 26 May 2025. The ceremonial event commemorated three decades of precision aerobatics that have come to symbolise the pride and professionalism of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Key Highlights of the Celebration
Air Marshal S. Shrinivas, Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, also attended the anniversary event. In a standout moment, both the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief flew with the team during the commemorative aerial display, underscoring the IAF's top leadership commitment to the unit's legacy.
A deeply symbolic 'Hollow Diamond' formation was executed during the display as a tribute to team members lost over the course of SKAT's journey. The formation reflected, according to an official statement, 'the deep camaraderie, courage and enduring spirit' that define the team.
Three Decades of Aerial Excellence
Formed in 1996 at Bidar, SKAT has conducted over 800 air displays across India and internationally, thrilling millions of spectators. The team flies the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its signature red-and-white livery and operates under the motto 'Sadaiva Sarvottam' — Always the Best.
Composed entirely of experienced fighter pilots, SKAT's primary mission is to represent the IAF at national and international events, demonstrating the exceptional skill of its aviators and the reach of Indian air power.
Recent Performance at Somnath
The anniversary celebrations follow a high-profile SKAT performance on 11 May 2025, when the team conducted a special air show over the Somnath Temple in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' marking 75 years of the temple's reconstruction.
Prime Minister Modi, sharing glimpses of the display on his official X account, said: 'In Somnath today, the skies witnessed a magnificent confluence of pride and valour. The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Team showcased a breathtaking flypast. This spirit of Bhakti and Shakti filled every heart with deep joy.'
What the Anniversary Signals
SKAT's 30th anniversary arrives at a moment of heightened national focus on Indian air power. The team's continued evolution — from its founding at Bidar to international showcases — reflects the IAF's broader push to project capability and inspire public confidence in the armed forces. With leadership flying alongside the team, the message from the top brass is unambiguous: SKAT remains a flagship symbol of IAF excellence.
Point of View
But the 'Hollow Diamond' tribute is a reminder that aerobatic excellence carries real human cost. The back-to-back appearances at Somnath with the Prime Minister and now this anniversary event suggest the IAF is consciously deploying SKAT as a soft-power asset, not just an airshow attraction. Whether that visibility translates into recruitment and public trust in the force is the harder question to answer.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT)?
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team is the Indian Air Force's official formation aerobatic display team, formed in 1996 at Air Force Station Bidar. It is composed of experienced fighter pilots and flies the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in a distinctive red-and-white livery, operating under the motto 'Sadaiva Sarvottam' — Always the Best.
Why did Air Chief Marshal AP Singh fly with the Suryakiran team?
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew with SKAT as part of the ceremonial celebrations marking the team's 30th anniversary on 26 May 2025 at Air Force Station Bidar. The flight was a gesture of leadership solidarity and recognition of the team's three decades of service.
What is the significance of the 'Hollow Diamond' formation?
The 'Hollow Diamond' formation was flown as a tribute to Suryakiran Aerobatic Team members who died during the team's history. It is a poignant aerial gesture that reflects the camaraderie and sacrifice associated with high-performance aerobatic flying.
How many air displays has the Suryakiran team completed?
Since its formation in 1996, SKAT has conducted over 800 air displays across India and abroad, making it one of the most active aerobatic display teams in Asia.
What was SKAT's role at the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav?
On 11 May 2025, SKAT performed a special air show over the Somnath Temple in Gujarat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' marking 75 years of the temple's reconstruction. PM Modi described the display as 'a magnificent confluence of pride and valour.'
