The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Suryakiran Aerobatic Team marked its 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on 26 May, celebrating three decades of formation aerobatics, precision flying and public display excellence.
The anniversary event was attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal S Shrinivas.
Both senior officers flew with the team during the commemorative aerial display, making the event one of the key highlights of the milestone celebration.
The team also flew a “Hollow Diamond” formation in memory of Suryakiran members who lost their lives during its journey.
The formation served as a tribute to the pilots associated with the team and underlined the risks involved in close-formation aerobatic flying.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team was formed in 1996 at Bidar and has performed more than 800 air displays in India and abroad.
Over the years, the team has become one of the most visible flying symbols of the Indian Air Force, combining display flying with public outreach and aviation inspiration.
The team currently flies Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its red-and-white livery. Its motto is “Sadaiva Sarvottam”, meaning “Always the Best”.
The 30-year milestone places Suryakiran among India’s longest-running military display teams.
Its performances require tight pilot coordination, split-second timing and strict formation discipline, with each display designed to demonstrate the flying standards and professionalism of the Indian Air Force.
