Surya Kiran Team To Showcase Thrilling Stunts; 20,000 Spectators Expected

An air show is being organized at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on March 27 and 28. During this event, the Indian Air Force’s renowned Surya Kiran team will mesmerize the audience with their breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Executing these stunts which are so astounding they leave spectators biting their nails in awe is no easy feat for the team. The audience in Chandigarh will also be immersed in the vibrant colors of the Tricolor.

1,300 Police Personnel To Be Deployed

Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav stated, “Our preparations are well underway.” The air show is scheduled to run for two days, with 10,000 people expected to attend each day. The DC further informed that seven pickup points have been established across the city for the show, from where attendees will be transported to the lake via buses.

“We have made arrangements for drinking water, restrooms, sanitation, and medical facilities,” he added. Approximately 1,300 police personnel will be deployed on duty, and to facilitate this, several areas surrounding the lake have been declared ‘No-Traffic Zones.’ “We have also issued a traffic advisory; anyone visiting the lake for the event will be transported exclusively by bus. Private vehicles will not be permitted in this area.”

2,000 Hours Of Combat Flying Experience Mandatory

The Surya Kiran team comprises a select group of the Air Force’s most daring fighter pilots. To become a member of the team, a pilot must possess a minimum of 10 years of service and approximately 2,000 hours of combat flying experience. Furthermore, they must have experience flying fighter aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30, Mirage, Jaguar, and MiG-29. Prior to selection, pilots must undergo rigorous flying trials and personality assessments, during which the Team Leader personally evaluates their capabilities.

Selected pilots undergo two years of specialized training. During the training phase, practice sessions are conducted from March to September, while the subsequent six months are dedicated to public performances. New pilots initially fly solo; subsequently, they progress through formations of two, four, six, and finally, nine aircraft.

To attain the required proficiency standards, pilots must complete approximately 70 to 75 sorties. During this period, they practice flying at altitudes ranging from 30 to 1,200 meters, at speeds between 500 and 600 kilometers per hour. Currently, the team operates modern Hawk Mk 132 aircraft. Flying in a nine-aircraft formation, the team performs thrilling maneuvers such as the Triple Eagle, Diamond, Loop, Barrel Roll, and Arrowhead.

Air Commodore Extends Invitation To Governor

Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Deepak Pant, met with the Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, to formally invite him to attend the upcoming air show as the Chief Guest. The meeting took place at Lok Bhawan, Punjab, where Air Commodore Pant provided the Governor with detailed information regarding the event and discussed its significance. Accepting the invitation, Governor Kataria also extended his best wishes for the successful organization of the event.

The air show is scheduled to take place at Sukhna on March 28 at 10:40 AM. Organized by the Indian Air Force, the event will feature a spectacular display of breathtaking aerial maneuvers performed by state-of-the-art aircraft. Preparations for the air show are currently in full swing, being jointly undertaken by the administration and the Air Force.

Special arrangements are being made regarding security, traffic management, and spectator amenities to ensure that the public can enjoy the event in a safe and hassle-free manner. This air show, to be held at Sukhna Lake, is expected to serve not only as a major attraction for the city’s residents but also as an inspiration that fosters a spirit of patriotism. A large turnout is anticipated for the event.

The administration has appealed to citizens to arrive at the venue ahead of the scheduled time and adhere to safety regulations. Through this event, the Indian Air Force will showcase its capabilities and professional prowess, thereby fostering increased interest in the armed forces among the youth.