Hyderabad: The entire city looked skywards, mouths agape, as the Surya Kiran aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force blasted across the sky, leaving behind the colours of glory, for a thrilling half-an-hour on Sunday evening. The show was centred over the Hussainsagar, but the aircraft flew over most parts of the city as part of their aerobatic display Indian Air Force pilots flew the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft in breathtaking formations, leaving trails of colour, as part of the celebrations for Praja Palana Vijayotsavalu.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, his Cabinet colleagues, and bureaucrats and thousands of road-users as well as people on roof-tops were present to witness the aerial extravaganza.
Most of the audience turned into photographers, capturing images of the aircraft performing various aerial stunts. The gentle winter sun, setting in the backdrop, the white edifice of the Secretariat, and the monolith Buddha statue formed a picturesque backdrop for the Surya Kiran team.
Technicians connected the Surya Kiran team leader, Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, to the public address system: "Thank you, Hyderabad! Mee Premaku Shukriya," Gp Captain Dasarathi said.
Nitya Santoshi from Kachiguda, who attended the event with her brother, said, "I am at a loss for words to describe how magnificent it was. A thrilling experience! It truly felt like a celebration out of this world."
Amit Singh of Srinagar Colony commented, "The Chief Minister's initiative to organise such a show is highly commendable. In my opinion, it is the need of the hour, especially when the youth seem astray and confused. This show enlightens and inspires them to consider joining the defense forces."
Shivakumar, a spectator who travelled from Solapur, said, "I rushed to Hyderabad specifically to witness the airshow. I was as excited as a child! It was a joy to watch the breathtaking aerial acrobatics."
The Surya Kiran team of the Indian Air Force comprises nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, flying in extremely close proximity — sometimes merely five metres apart.
The team consists of 12 pilots, led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot. The deputy leader is Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik.
The other pilots were Wing Commanders Rajesh Kajla, Arjun Patel, Kuldeep Hooda and Allen George and
Squadron Leaders Jasdeep Singh, Himkhush Chandel, Ankit Vashisth, Vishnu, Diwakar Sharma and Gaurav Patel.
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Surya Kiran formed in 1996, has performed over 700 displays.
The only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia.
Surya Kiran also performed at international air shows in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
Surya Kiran files the Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainer.
This aircraft is used to train new pilots on fighters.
