“The valour of the Air Force, Navy, and Army today is a matter of national pride,” said Energy Minister Rishikesh Patel
Nine Hawk aircraft performed thrilling formations including the Diamond and Tejas shapes; the Mehsana sky lit up in the colours of the Tricolour
Mehsana, October 24, 2025 (Friday):
As part of the Government of India’s initiative to celebrate the spirit of patriotism, the Indian Air Force’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) staged a spectacular and thrilling aerial show over the skies of Mehsana after Diwali festivities. The grand event was held at the Mehsana Aerodrome in the inspirational presence of Energy Minister Shri Rishikesh Patel and Member of Parliament Shri Haribhai Patel.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rishikesh Patel said that hosting an Air Show in Mehsana was a moment of immense pride for North Gujarat. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister for making it possible. He remarked that India, through its message of patience, peace, and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), continues to show the world the path of harmony and unity.
The Minister emphasized that the bravery and discipline of the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army are today recognized globally with great respect. Referring to operations like Operation Sindoor, he thanked the armed forces for their unmatched courage. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken decisive steps that have strengthened the country’s morale and security, making the nation proud on the world stage.
He also highlighted that PM Modi’s visionary decisions have strengthened India’s foundations through initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the promotion of Swadeshi (Made-in-India) products, all of which are propelling the nation toward becoming a Vishwa Guru (Global Leader).
Member of Parliament Haribhai Patel, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Air Force for organizing the Surya Kiran Air Show, calling it “a true reflection of patriotism and national pride.” He noted that the event inspired enthusiasm and motivation among citizens and represented a step toward building a New India. He also praised the inclusion of women pilots in the show, calling it a powerful example of women’s empowerment.
Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) Highlights
- Formed in 1996, SKAT is Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team, known for excellence and discipline under the motto “Sada Sarvottam” (Always the Best).
- The team has performed over 700 shows across India and abroad, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
- Earlier this year, SKAT shows held in Vadodara, Jamnagar, Naliya, and Bhuj mesmerized audiences across Gujarat.
In Mehsana, nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft executed thrilling stunts such as the Diamond Formation, Tejas Formation, Loops, Rolls, Head-on Cross, Inverted Formation, and DNA and A–Y maneuvers. The pilots flew aircraft as close as five meters apart, showcasing precision, teamwork, and discipline.
The show painted the Mehsana sky in the colours of the Indian Tricolour — saffron symbolizing spirituality and purity, white representing peace and truth, and green for prosperity and justice — embraced by the citizens with pride and patriotic fervour.
The event was coordinated successfully by Air Force pilots Kamal Sandhu and Gaurav Patel.
Distinguished attendees included MLAs Sukhaji Thakor and K.K. Patel, District Collector S.K. Prajapati, DCP Tarun Duggal, Dudhsagar Dairy Chairman Ashok Chaudhary, Unjha APMC Chairman Dinesh Patel, District Bank Chairman Vinod Patel, former MP Natuji Thakor, former MLA Ramanbhai Patel, ONGC officials, and senior officers from the Air Force and district administration, along with a large number of citizens.
Air Force’s ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team’ (SKAT) Showcases Patriotic Air Display in Mehsana
“The valour of the Air Force, Navy, and Army today is a matter of national pride,” said Energy Minister Rishikesh Patel
Nine Hawk aircraft performed thrilling formations including the Diamond and Tejas shapes; the Mehsana sky lit up in the colours of the Tricolour
Mehsana, October 24, 2025 (Friday):
As part of the Government of India’s initiative to celebrate the spirit of patriotism, the Indian Air Force’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) staged a spectacular and thrilling aerial show over the skies of Mehsana after Diwali festivities. The grand event was held at the Mehsana Aerodrome in the inspirational presence of Energy Minister Shri Rishikesh Patel and Member of Parliament Shri Haribhai Patel.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rishikesh Patel said that hosting an Air Show in Mehsana was a moment of immense pride for North Gujarat. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister for making it possible. He remarked that India, through its message of patience, peace, and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), continues to show the world the path of harmony and unity.
The Minister emphasized that the bravery and discipline of the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army are today recognized globally with great respect. Referring to operations like Operation Sindoor, he thanked the armed forces for their unmatched courage. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken decisive steps that have strengthened the country’s morale and security, making the nation proud on the world stage.
He also highlighted that PM Modi’s visionary decisions have strengthened India’s foundations through initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the promotion of Swadeshi (Made-in-India) products, all of which are propelling the nation toward becoming a Vishwa Guru (Global Leader).
Member of Parliament Haribhai Patel, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Air Force for organizing the Surya Kiran Air Show, calling it “a true reflection of patriotism and national pride.” He noted that the event inspired enthusiasm and motivation among citizens and represented a step toward building a New India. He also praised the inclusion of women pilots in the show, calling it a powerful example of women’s empowerment.
Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) Highlights
- Formed in 1996, SKAT is Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team, known for excellence and discipline under the motto “Sada Sarvottam” (Always the Best).
- The team has performed over 700 shows across India and abroad, including in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
- Earlier this year, SKAT shows held in Vadodara, Jamnagar, Naliya, and Bhuj mesmerized audiences across Gujarat.
In Mehsana, nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft executed thrilling stunts such as the Diamond Formation, Tejas Formation, Loops, Rolls, Head-on Cross, Inverted Formation, and DNA and A–Y maneuvers. The pilots flew aircraft as close as five meters apart, showcasing precision, teamwork, and discipline.
The show painted the Mehsana sky in the colours of the Indian Tricolour — saffron symbolizing spirituality and purity, white representing peace and truth, and green for prosperity and justice — embraced by the citizens with pride and patriotic fervour.
The event was coordinated successfully by Air Force pilots Kamal Sandhu and Gaurav Patel.
Distinguished attendees included MLAs Sukhaji Thakor and K.K. Patel, District Collector S.K. Prajapati, DCP Tarun Duggal, Dudhsagar Dairy Chairman Ashok Chaudhary, Unjha APMC Chairman Dinesh Patel, District Bank Chairman Vinod Patel, former MP Natuji Thakor, former MLA Ramanbhai Patel, ONGC officials, and senior officers from the Air Force and district administration, along with a large number of citizens.
