Ektanagar: The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force will once again take to the skies of Gujarat. This time, the team will display its maneuvers over Ekta Nagar as part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31. The announcement was made by Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay during a joint press conference with Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi.

This year’s Ekta Diwas marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the celebrations at the Statue of Unity are expected to be on a much larger scale, featuring a grand parade modeled on the Republic Day parade in Delhi.

As part of the event, the Suryakiran formation, which comprises nine Hawk Mk132 aircraft indigenously license-produced in India and known for their ability to fly in tight formations—often within less than five meters of separation—will perform over the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity.

The official Instagram handle of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team confirmed the event’s timing, stating:

“Watch the skies come alive as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team paints the tricolour in celebration of National Unity Day! Join us at the Statue of Unity on 31 Oct, 8 AM onwards, as we salute the spirit of unity and pride.”

Formed in 1996, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) holds the distinction of being Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic display team and one of the few of its kind in the world. Over the years, the team has showcased its precision flying in more than 700 performances across India and in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE. The team’s motto, “Sarvada Sarvottam”—meaning “Always the Best”—reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence. DeshGujarat