IAF Suryakiran Team Performs Aerobatic Display at Somnath During Amrut Mahotsav

The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) executed a precision aerobatic display over the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Monday, as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' commemorating 75 years since the temple's reconstruction. The performance, held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft flying in tight formation and releasing saffron, white and green smoke trails using indigenous pods developed at Nashik's Base Repair Depot.

The jets, which took off from Jamnagar Air Force Station, performed synchronized maneuvers over the temple and along the Arabian Sea coastline. An IAF Chetak helicopter dispersed flower petals over the temple complex during religious rituals, including Kumbhabhishek and Maha Puja, led by the Prime Minister. Officials confirmed the 15-minute demonstration showcased pilot expertise in close-formation flying.

The Suryakiran team, established in 1996, comprises 13 pilots and is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi. It has performed over 800 displays in India and abroad, making it the IAF's premier aerobatic unit. The display followed rehearsal sorties on Sunday that had already drawn large crowds to the site.

The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav marks the 75th anniversary of the temple's inauguration by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state ministers, religious leaders, and senior officials.

The IAF said the aerial demonstration highlighted both technological capability and national pride, with no further operational details or announcements expected in the immediate term.