IAF Suryakiran air show at Somnath Temple: Modi hails 'Bhakti and Shakti' display
Synopsis
The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team turned the skies above the ancient Somnath Temple into a canvas of national pride, releasing Tricolour smoke trails and executing precision manoeuvres in PM Modi's presence — a symbolic fusion of military prowess and spiritual heritage marking 75 years of the temple's reconstruction.
Key Takeaways
IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a 15-minute air show over Somnath Temple on 11 May 2025 .
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft flew from Jamnagar Air Force Station , reaching Somnath in ~18 minutes .
Indigenous smoke pods from IAF's Base Repair Depot, Nashik recreated the Indian Tricolour in the sky.
The event marked 75 years of the reconstructed Somnath Temple, inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1951 .
The Suryakiran team, established in 1996 , has conducted over 800 air displays in India and abroad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 11 May hailed the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) performance over the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, saying the "spirit of Bhakti and Shakti" displayed in the skies filled every heart with deep joy. The aerobatic show was staged as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, marking 75 years since the reconstructed temple was inaugurated.
What the Air Show Involved
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft from the Suryakiran team executed synchronised formations and precision aerobatic manoeuvres over the temple town and the Arabian Sea coastline. The 15-minute display was led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, with the team comprising 13 pilots and operational support personnel. The jets took off from Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath in approximately 18 minutes.
A major highlight was the deployment of indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force's Base Repair Depot in Nashik. The aircraft released saffron, white, and green smoke trails, recreating the colours of the Indian Tricolour across the sky. An IAF Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals over the temple premises during the ceremonies.
PM Modi's Remarks
Sharing glimpses from the air show on his X handle, Prime Minister Modi wrote:
Point of View
With the Prime Minister in attendance, underscores how heritage events are increasingly being used as backdrops for projecting state power and national identity. The use of indigenously developed smoke pods adds a Make-in-India narrative layer. Whether one reads this as inspiring national pride or as the blurring of religious and state ceremony is a question mainstream coverage tends to sidestep.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team?
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is the Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic display unit, established in 1996. It has conducted over 800 air displays in India and abroad and currently flies Hawk Mk-132 aircraft under the command of Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi.
Why was the air show held at Somnath Temple?
The air show was part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years since the reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. Prime Minister Modi attended the event alongside religious ceremonies including Kumbhabhishek and Maha Puja.
What made the Somnath air show unique?
A key highlight was the use of indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the IAF's Base Repair Depot in Nashik, which allowed the aircraft to trace saffron, white, and green smoke trails — recreating the Indian Tricolour in the sky above the Arabian Sea coastline.
How many aircraft participated in the Somnath air show?
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft took part in the 15-minute aerobatic display. The jets flew from Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath in approximately 18 minutes.
Who attended the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav?
The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state ministers, saints, temple trustees, and senior officials.
