IAF Suryakiran team enthrals audience in Meerut
This spectacle unfolded at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur on Saturday, when the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, for the first time, chose the skies over Meerut for their performance.
Thousands of people kept their gaze fixed in the sky amid the roar of Hawk Mk-132 aircraft that flew past, leaving saffron, white and green trails behind, and the entire atmosphere filled with patriotic fervour and chants of Vande Mataram.
The IAF air show was organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan of the Central and state governments, according to an official statement.
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Taking off from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, nine Hawk aircraft reached Meerut at around 10.25 am. Spectators broke into applause and chanted “Jai Hind” and “Vande Mataram”.People began to arrive at the New Integrated Township from 7.30 am. Students from more than a dozen schools, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers came to witness the thrilling air show. Several doctors, traders and entrepreneurs joined in with their families.
The Suryakiran aircraft demonstrated such coordination in the sky that they drew louder applause with every manoeuvre.
The nine aircraft first flew in a V-shaped formation, dispersed in different directions, and within moments, formed a precise V-formation again.
Loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the DNA manoeuvre heightened the excitement. People held their breath as they watched the aircraft fly with precision at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet. When two jets advanced towards each other and crossed each other in a split second at the last moment, the venue reverberated with a collective cry. The audience fished out their phones to record the moments; some waved at the pilots.
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Saffron, white and green trails behind the aircraft coloured the sky in hues of the Tricolour. The smoke pods were developed at the Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik.
The air show held in Meerut also had a direct connection with the city.
Three squadron leaders from Meerut were part of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh flew the Hawk jets and performed aerobatics, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal managed the entire display from the ground.
Beyond entertainment, the event aimed to convey the messages of national service and discipline to the youth. School children witnessed the capability, courage and technical proficiency of the Indian Air Force first-hand. Through such events, efforts are being made to increase a sense of responsibility towards the nation among the youth and their interest in defence services, the statement said.
Suryakiran is the Indian Air Force’s aerobatic display team. A part of the 52 Squadron, it was established in 1996. The team has 13 pilots, while nine pilots fly together during displays.
Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Vajpayee, District Magistrate Dr V K Singh, CDO Nupur Goyal, ADM City, Municipal Commissioner, and senior officers and employees of all departments were present at the air show in Meerut, the statement said.
Vajpayee said the proposal to organise an air show in Meerut was sent on May 13, and it received official approval on September 8.
Anubhav, who came to watch the air show, said, “I saw fighter aircraft flying from such close quarters for the first time. When the two aircraft came face-to-face, I literally stopped breathing. Now I also want to pursue a career in the Air Force.”
Ananya, a student, said, “The government has filled the youth with enthusiasm by introducing them to the Air Force. I felt proud seeing the aircraft fly across, leaving behind colours of the national flag. I will remember this day more than any chapter studied at school.”
