IAF’s Surya Kiran stuns Chandigarh with aerial display

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) enthralled spectators with a breathtaking aerial display over Sukhna Lake on Saturday, marking the second consecutive day of a two-day airshow, officials said.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the event along with their spouses, they said.

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During the half-hour performance, the Hawk Mk-132 jets executed loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and steep dives. The team also created formations such as the 'DNA' and 'Y' (Yuva) patterns using coloured smoke trails.

The aircraft took off from the Air Force station here and flew directly over the lake, drawing large crowds.

The SKAT is among the world's elite aerobatic squads and has represented the IAF at various international air shows.

The event, spread over two days, had a daily cap of 10,000 spectators. Shuttle buses were arranged from seven designated points, and entry was allowed only through passes purchased via the Chandigarh Tourism app at Rs 100 each.

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This marks the team's second visit to Chandigarh in six months, following its performance in September last year during the culmination ceremony of MiG-21 operational flying.