The Indian Air Force held a spectacular air show at Jal Mahal in Jaipur on Friday where indigenous Made in India helicopters pierced straight through heart leaving an unforgettable impression in mind. Nine aircraft from the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team and five helicopters from the Sarang Helicopter Display Team enthralled the audience with breathtaking aerial stunts while forming Trishool, I for India and a beautiful heart.
The location was perfect, on top of Jal Mahal, where proud Aravalis stood still to watch the thundering entry of these copters which came buzzing from left, right and centre, leaving goozebumps for audience.
The show began with five Sarang helicopters taking off from Nahargarh Base. The helicopters formed an ‘I’ formation in the sky, followed by a stunning double arrow cross. The heart-pitching formation, in which two helicopters created a heart pierced by an arrow, drew loud cheers from the crowd. The helicopters also saluted the nation by releasing red and white smoke to the song “Maa Tujhe Salaam.”
Soon after, nine Suryakiran aircraft made a grand entry in the Tejas formation, showcasing the team’s precision and coordination. This was followed by an impressive barrel roll formation that captivated spectators. The aircraft performed 18 manoeuvres at an altitude of around 1,000 feet, maintaining a breathtakingly close distance of just five metres between them.
In one act, three aircraft flew in perfect rhythm, appearing as a single plane in the sky before splitting in different directions. In another daring display, four aircraft crossed each other at extremely close range. Later, five aircraft created a double corkscrew formation resembling the structure of DNA.
The grand finale featured nine aircraft forming a tricolour formation, offering a glimpse of the national flag in the sky. The Jaipur show marked the 801st performance of the Suryakiran team. Notably, three of the nine Suryakiran pilots are from Jaipur, making the event even more special for the local audience.
From the cockpit, Squadron Leader Sanjesh Singh announced, “I am making a Marwari entry,” while Wing Commander Rajesh Kalra greeted the crowd with, “Khamma Ghani Jaipur, thank you. Jai Hind.”
A large number of people gathered around Jal Mahal to witness the air show. Rescue teams were stationed on boats in the lake as a precautionary measure. Among those present was Sachit, the son of Squadron Leader Sanjesh Singh, who attended wearing a red uniform.
Earlier, Sarang team commentator Pallavi explained that “Sarang” is a Sanskrit word meaning peacock and represents professionalism, discipline and coordination within the Indian Air Force. The team made its international debut at the 2004 Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore and has since conducted over 1,200 demonstrations worldwide. The Sarang team flies the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.