Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh witnessed the air show.
Air Force aircraft displayed acrobatics with discipline, mutual trust, precision, and patriotism.
The Air Force air show was a wonderful experience for the people of Chhattisgarh, leaving people mesmerized for an hour.
Raipur: On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Chhattisgarh, the Indian Air Force’s prestigious aerobatic “Surya Kiran” team performed a thrilling air show over the Sendh Reservoir in Naya Raipur on Wednesday November 5, 2025 .
Thousands of people, including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, enjoyed the spectacular and thrilling air show. The Air Force air show was a remarkable experience for the people of the state today. Air Force fighter planes performed numerous aerial stunts one after another over the Sendh Reservoir. Flying in perfect formation, like a flock of birds, the Air Force’s brave warriors displayed their remarkable control and valor. As the tricolor fluttered through the sky, the Sendh Reservoir reverberated with slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
During the air show, Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, leader of the “Surya Kiran” team, congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh on their Silver Jubilee from the sky. Meanwhile, Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel, a Chhattisgarh resident, greeted the audience with “Jai Johar” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” from his cockpit over the Sendh Reservoir. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma, and Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khuswant Saheb, and MP Brijmohan Agrawal, along with officials from various corporations, boards, and commissions, also attended the air show.
The “Surya Kiran” team, with discipline, mutual trust, precision, and enthusiasm, entertained the audience for an hour by performing aerobatics with Air Force aircraft. Thousands of spectators gathered at the Sendh Reservoir in Nava Raipur were mesmerized by the pilots’ astonishing audacity and feats. The One F-9 and One F-8 helicopter units, led by Wing Commander A.V. Singh, performed slippery and sky-operation maneuvers using V-17 and V-5 helicopters. Fourteen Garuda Commandos descended from these helicopters, named “Adidev,” using ropes, while remaining stationary at a height of just 15 meters. During the sky-operation, eight Garuda Commandos, suspended from ropes, flew in front of the audience from the helicopters. Both these operations are carried out to rescue civilians during war and disaster.
At the air show, nine Hawk-Mark-123 fighter jets from the “Surya Kiran” team enthralled the audience by forming spectacular formations such as the Heart, Diamond, Loop, Grover, Dawn Light, and Combat Tejas. The Sendha Reservoir complex reverberated with applause and chants of “Jai Hind” as the red and white jets soared across the blue sky, leaving a captivating trail of the tricolor. Thousands of citizens, youth, and children present continuously captured the aircraft’s aerobatics on their cameras and mobile phones.
The Air Force’s valiant fighter pilots expressed their respect for the 25th Statehood by forming a heart-shaped formation in the sky. They also paid tribute to the tricolor by forming a DNA shape with the three colors of the tricolor. They also flew the fighter jets in reverse, performing 360° turns. They performed several aerobatics, including forming the letter “Y” dedicated to Tejas and youth. The team’s performance not only entertains but also inspires patriotism, courage, and service in the Indian Armed Forces among the youth.
The participation of Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel of Chhattisgarh in the air show was a moment of pride and emotional connection for the people of the state. Flying his aircraft at high speed through the sky, Patel shouted “Jai Johar” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” from his cockpit. During her live commentary, Flight Lieutenant Ms. Kanwal Sandhu provided a thrilling narration of the air show, highlighting the pilots’ discipline, dedication, training, and risk management.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, Asia’s only nine-fighter aerobatic team, was established in 1996.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force is Asia’s only nine-fighter aerobatic team. This elite team flies the HAL-licensed Hawk Mk-132 aircraft, manufactured in India. These aircraft showcase the precision, professionalism, and skill of the Indian Air Force, including breathtaking aerobatics and highly precise formations. The Suryakiran team’s mission is unique. Their mission is to inspire the nation’s youth to serve the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces.
The Suryakiran team was established in 1996. Since then, it has held the distinction of being Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team and is among the world’s top aerobatic teams. This exceptional team has performed over 700 displays across India.
The Suryakiran Team was established in 1996. Since then, it holds the distinction of being Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team and is among the world’s top aerobatic teams. This exceptional team has performed over 700 times across India and has also represented India at international air shows in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team consists of 13 pilots, 3 engineering officers, 1 commentator, and 1 medical officer.
The Suryakiran Team reflects the spirit of the Indian Air Force, which is based on excellence, discipline, and teamwork. All pilots undergo rigorous training, practicing complex aerobatic movements for months. Their impeccable coordination and control are the foundation of close formation flying, where the nine aircraft appear to be powered by a single spirit.
