IAF Suryakiran jets to paint Somnath skies on Temple's 75th anniversary
Synopsis
The IAF's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will make history on 11 May 2026 with the first-ever aerial display over the Somnath Temple, deploying six Hawk Mk-132 jets in coordinated formations to mark the shrine's 75th reconstruction anniversary — combining national symbolism, aviation precision, and religious heritage in a single spectacle.
Key Takeaways
SKAT will perform a two-day aerial display on 10–11 May 2026 over Somnath Temple , Gujarat.
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft will fly at speeds of 800–900 km/h , maintaining formation gaps of under five metres .
The display is part of Somnath Amritparva-2026 , marking the temple's 75th reconstruction anniversary .
The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi , with Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh as Deputy Leader.
Indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the IAF's Base Repair Depot in Nashik will create saffron, white and green trails representing the Indian National Flag.
This will be the first aerial display of its kind over the Somnath Temple.
The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will perform a two-day aerial display on 10–11 May 2026 over the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, marking the shrine's 75th reconstruction anniversary. Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft will execute coordinated aerobatic formations above the historic first Jyotirlinga complex as part of the broader 'Somnath Amritparva-2026' commemorations.
What the Display Involves
The final performance is scheduled for 11 May at 11 am IST, in the presence of the Prime Minister, with a full rehearsal set for 10 May at 11 am. The aircraft will operate from Jamnagar Air Station and are expected to fly at speeds between 800 and 900 kilometres per hour.
The sequence will begin with all six jets taking off together before splitting into formations for a series of aerial patterns, including close-formation flying at separations of less than five metres. Continuous communication between pilots and ground control is maintained throughout.
About the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team
Established in 1996, SKAT is widely regarded as the
Point of View
National symbolism, and military showcase in a single visual moment. The presence of the Prime Minister at the 11 May display underscores the political weight attached to the event. What is notable is the indigenous angle: smoke pods developed at Nashik and aircraft manufactured by HAL signal a deliberate 'Made in India' subtext within what is ostensibly a cultural celebration. Whether this signals a broader IAF strategy of deploying SKAT at heritage events — rather than exclusively at air shows — remains to be seen.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT)?
SKAT is the Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic display team, established in 1996 and widely known as the 'Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force.' The team operates Hawk Mk-132 aircraft manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and has conducted more than 800 performances across India and abroad.
Why is SKAT performing at Somnath Temple in May 2026?
The aerial display is part of 'Somnath Amritparva-2026', the commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Somnath Temple's reconstruction. The event combines religious heritage with a demonstration of Indian aviation capability.
When and where will the Suryakiran display take place?
A full rehearsal is scheduled for 10 May 2026 at 11 am, with the final performance on 11 May 2026 at 11 am over the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat. The jets will operate from Jamnagar Air Station.
What is special about the aircraft used in the display?
The six Hawk Mk-132 jets have been fitted with indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the IAF's Base Repair Depot in Nashik, allowing them to release saffron, white and green smoke trails representing the Indian National Flag. The aircraft can fly at speeds of 800–900 km/h and are also capable of operational combat deployment.
Who leads the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team?
The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot, with Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh serving as Deputy Leader. The team comprises 13 trained pilots and operates under the motto 'Sadaiva Sarvottam', meaning 'Always the Best'.
