SOURCE: AFI
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has touched down at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force, bringing with them a fleet of 12 Hawk Mk 132 aircraft. Renowned globally for their breathtaking nine-aircraft formations, the team is set to perform public displays on March 7 and 8, 2025, as part of the celebrations marking the 88th anniversary of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). As SKAT prepares to paint the Bangkok sky with the vibrant hues of the Indian Tricolor, this event promises not only a visual spectacle but also a reinforcement of the deep ties between India and Thailand.
The Suryakiran team, affectionately known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force,” arrived in Thailand following an invitation from the RTAF to participate in the milestone anniversary festivities. Established in 1996, SKAT has earned a stellar reputation for its precision, daring maneuvers, and vibrant displays, having performed at airshows across India and internationally. The team’s deployment of 12 Hawk Mk 132 aircraft—advanced jet trainers manufactured by BAE Systems and assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—includes nine for the aerobatic performances and three as spares, ensuring seamless execution of their signature routines.
The public displays scheduled over Bangkok on March 7 and 8 will feature SKAT’s hallmark formations, such as the “Arrowhead,” “Diamond,” and “Heart,” executed with split-second coordination at speeds exceeding 600 km/h. A highlight for spectators will be the team’s iconic tribute to the Indian Tricolor, where smoke trails in saffron, white, and green streak across the sky, symbolizing national pride. These performances, set against the backdrop of Thailand’s capital, will commemorate the RTAF’s 88 years of service since its founding in 1937, blending military tradition with aerial artistry.
For Thailand, hosting SKAT aligns with its tradition of celebrating RTAF anniversaries with international flair, fostering goodwill and military diplomacy. The event, expected to draw thousands of spectators, will be a rare treat for aviation enthusiasts in Bangkok, where the roar of jet engines and the sight of precision aerobatics will fill the skies