The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is set to perform a landmark aerial display over the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, on 11 May 2025, as part of the temple's 75th anniversary commemorations. Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft will execute coordinated aerobatic formations above the historic shrine in what officials describe as the first-ever aerial display of its kind over Somnath.

The Display: What to Expect

Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma confirmed that the air display will be conducted at 11 am in the presence of the Prime Minister. "Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft will take part in the exercise, forming part of the SKAT's scheduled demonstration at Somnath," he said. The sequence will begin with all six jets taking off together before splitting into formations to perform a series of aerial patterns, including close-formation flying at separations of less than five metres.

The aircraft are expected to fly at speeds ranging between 800 and 900 kilometres per hour. Continuous communication between pilots and ground control, overseen by Squadron Leader Aman Goyal, will relay real-time information on wind conditions, aircraft spacing, and operational safety parameters.

Somnath Amritparva-2026 Celebrations

The display forms part of the broader 'Somnath Amritparva-2026' commemorations being held at the first Jyotirlinga shrine. According to officials, the SKAT — widely known as the "Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force" — will present a sequence of close-formation flying and aerobatic manoeuvres designed to demonstrate precision, discipline, and teamwork. The event brings together celebrations of heritage, aviation excellence, and national symbolism.

About the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team

Established in 1996, the SKAT operates the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft, manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The team has conducted more than 800 performances across India and abroad, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. It comprises 13 trained pilots and is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot, with Wing Commander Tejeshwar Singh serving as Deputy Leader. The team operates under the motto "Sadaiva Sarvottam", meaning "Always the Best".

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, the team commentator, noted that pilot training is conducted on the Hawk aircraft, which are also capable of operational deployment in emergency and combat scenarios, including difficult terrain and wartime conditions.

Indigenous Smoke Pods and Safety Measures

In a notable addition, the Hawk aircraft have recently been fitted with indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force's Base Repair Depot in Nashik. These allow the jets to release saffron, white, and green smoke trails, creating patterns representing the Indian National Flag across the sky. Safety measures are also in place to manage bird activity, with a Bird Hazard Control unit remaining on alert throughout the event. Local authorities have advised residents not to discard food waste in open areas to reduce bird movement near the flight zone, and deterrent firecrackers — designed to create noise without harming birds — will be deployed if required.

This historic display marks a convergence of India's spiritual heritage and its growing air power, with all eyes on Somnath's skies as the nation marks a significant milestone.