The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will perform in Rajkot for the first time, with an air display scheduled over Atal Sarovar on December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. onwards. The show will bring a major aviation event to the people of Saurashtra.

Formed in 1996, SKAT is Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team. Flying Hawk Mk132 jets, the team performs loops, barrel rolls and its well-known diamond and arrow formations, an official release said. The routines are executed through close coordination and strict training.

The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi. The IAF said the display aims to motivate young people to consider careers in the armed forces.

Rajkot will also see another first: the Suryakirans will draw the Indian tricolour in the sky using coloured smoke released from recently modified aircraft.

Residents have been invited to gather at Atal Sarovar to witness the two-day display, they added.