Raipur, The Indian Air Force’s prestigious ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team presented a breathtaking air show over the Sendh Reservoir in Naya Raipur on Wednesday, marking the culmination of the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s statehood (Rajyotsav). Thousands of spectators, including Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, were mesmerised for an hour by the thrilling display of discipline, precision, and patriotism.

Flying in perfect formations, the Air Force personnel showcased their remarkable control. As the jets painted a stunning tricolour pattern across the sky, the Sendh Reservoir complex resonated with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Hind.”

The performance carried a special local connection: Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, the ‘Surya Kiran’ team leader, offered congratulations to the people of Chhattisgarh from the sky for their Silver Jubilee. In an emotional moment, Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel, a resident of Chhattisgarh, personally greeted the audience with the slogans “Jai Johar” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” from his cockpit.

A host of state leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, cabinet ministers (Ramvichar Netam, Kedar Kashyap, Dayal Das Baghel, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Tankaram Verma, O.P. Choudhary, Laxmi Rajwade, and Guru Khushwant Saheb), along with MP Brijmohan Agrawal, were present at the event.

The ‘Surya Kiran’ team, flying nine Hawk-Mark-123 fighter jets, captivated the crowd by forming spectacular formations such as the Heart, Diamond, Loop, Grover, Dawn Light, and Combat Tejas. The red and white jets soared across the blue canvas, leaving a mesmerising trail of the tricolour.

The team paid tribute to the 25th Statehood anniversary by forming a heart-shaped formation in the sky. They also executed a DNA-shaped formation in the three colours of the national flag and performed extraordinary piloting skills, including flying the jets in reverse and executing precise 360-degree turns. A formation of the letter “Y” was dedicated to the Tejas fighter jet and the youth.

Adding to the action, the One F-9 and One F-8 helicopter units, led by Wing Commander A.V. Singh, performed specialised slippery and sky-operation manoeuvres using V-17 and V-5 helicopters. During the display, fourteen Garuda Commandos descended from the helicopter named “Adidev” using ropes while it hovered at a low height. Eight commandos were also suspended from ropes and flew past the audience, demonstrating crucial operations for rescuing civilians during war and disaster.

During the live commentary, Flight Lieutenant Ms. Kanwal Sandhu highlighted the pilots’ discipline, dedication, and training.

Asia’s Only Nine-Fighter Team

Established in 1996, the ‘Surya Kiran’ Aerobatic Team is Asia’s only nine-fighter aerobatic team and is counted among the world’s best. The elite team flies the HAL-licensed Hawk Mk-132 aircraft, showcasing the precision and professionalism of the Indian Air Force. The team, comprising 13 pilots, three engineering officers, one commentator, and one medical officer, aims to inspire youth to join the armed forces. It has performed in over 700 demonstrations across India and represented the nation in international air shows in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.