Suryakiran Aerobatic Team – Air Show

• From March 3 to 5, 2021, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Sarang Helicopter Display Team and Light Fighter Aircraft (LCA) will hold an air show at Galle Face in Colombo, marking the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF).
• With the Kiran Mk-II aircraft the team was formed in 1996 and has attracted audiences from all over the country until 2011.
• By 2015, Hawk trainers used 4 aircraft to restore it and developed it to 9 aircraft.
• The SKAT team, based in Bidar (Karnataka) is also known as 52 Squadron or Sharks.
• Since its establishment, the SKAT team has conducted more than 600 exhibitions across the country, and represented India in the entire Southeast Asia region including China.
• Marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971, the SKAT team started from Kanyakumari in the south and flew different formations over landmarks across the country.
• The Sarang team which was established in Bangalore in 2003, evolved from the ALH Evaluation Flight (AEF), to evaluate indigenous helicopters before they are formally evaluated.
• The Sarang (Peacock) of the Indian Air Force aerobatic team includes four Dhruv helicopters made in India (an advanced light helicopter-ALH, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore).
• Aircraft in India: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk I and MK II, Rafale Aircrafts, Sukhoi jets, etc.