States » NorthPosted at: Sep 19 2026 7:26PM


Sky roared, eyes stopped, Suryakiran writes new chapter of bravery in Meerut during an Air Show

Meerut, September 19 (UNI) The roar of nine fighter jets pierced the skies over Meerut on Saturday as the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team made its debut in the city, leaving thousands of spectators spellbound with a spectacular display of precision, courage and flying skills.
Nine Hawk MK-132 aircraft took to the skies over the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur, changing formations in seconds, flying close to the ground, performing loops and rolls and executing breathtaking manoeuvres before crossing each other in a carefully timed display.
The air show began at around 10:25 am after the aircraft took off from Hindon Airbase. As the jets appeared in the sky, spectators erupted in applause and chants of "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram".
The aircraft first formed a V-shape before splitting in different directions and coming together again in perfect formation. Loops, barrel rolls, inverted flights and DNA manoeuvres kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Flying at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet, the jets performed a series of precise manoeuvres. At one point, two aircraft flew directly towards each other before crossing at the exact moment, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Saffron, white and green smoke trails followed the aircraft, painting the sky in the colours of the national flag. The smoke pods used for the display were developed at the Air Force Base Repair Depot in Nashik.
The spectacle began attracting crowds from as early as 7:30 am, with students from more than a dozen schools, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers joining families, doctors, businessmen and entrepreneurs at the venue.
For many schoolchildren, the sight of the jets performing intricate manoeuvres overhead was an experience they had never witnessed before.
Anubhav, who attended the show, said, "This was the first time I saw fighter jets flying so closely. When two aircraft came face-to-face, my breath stopped."
He said the experience had inspired him to consider a career in the Air Force.
A student said, "The Yogi government has inspired young people by introducing them to the Air Force. I felt very proud to see the planes flying between the tricolor stripes. This day will be remembered more than any lesson learned in school."
The air show also had a special connection with Meerut, with three squadron leaders from the city associated with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh took part in the aerial display, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal coordinated the programme from the ground. Their participation added to the excitement among local spectators.
Organised under the Uttar Pradesh government's Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the event was aimed not only at entertaining the public but also at giving young people an opportunity to witness the discipline, courage and technical capabilities of the armed forces.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team is the Indian Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team and forms part of the 52nd Squadron. Established in 1996, the team has 13 pilots, with nine flying simultaneously during an air display. Pilots with fighter aircraft experience are selected for the team.
The Meerut performance was the team's first in the city. Suryakiran has performed aerobatic displays at several locations across the country.
With thousands expected to attend, the district administration made special arrangements for traffic management, parking and drinking water.
As part of security arrangements, an area within a 10-nautical-mile radius, or around 18.5 km, of Mohiuddinpur was declared a temporary red and no-fly zone until September 21. Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, hot-air balloons and other unmanned aerial vehicles have been prohibited in the area.
Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Vajpayee, who attended the event, said the proposal to hold the air show in Meerut was submitted on May 13 and received official approval on September 8.
UNI MBD AAB
Tags: #Sky roared# eyes stopped# Suryakiran writes new chapter of bravery in Meerut during an Air Show
More News

Supreme Court verdict on Hindi education important for national unity: Shanta Kumar

19 Sep 2026 | 10:09 PM

Ashok Raina
Palampur, Sep 19 ( UNI) Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and former union Minister Shanta Kumar on Saturday said the Supreme Court not only delivers legal judgments but also offers important guidance on issues concerning national unity.

see more..

UP: Jaipuria Institute of Mgmt brings Lucknow’s higher education leadership together at Praneta 2026

19 Sep 2026 | 10:05 PM

Lucknow, Sep 19 (UNI) Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow today hosted the Jaipuria Higher Education Leadership Summit – Praneta 2026, which offered a forum for academic leaders to exchange perspectives on the priorities shaping higher education and recognise individuals and institutions contributing to the sector’s growth.

see more..

‘Tantra in Silence’ retreat near LoC sparks controversy; authorities say no permission granted

19 Sep 2026 | 9:53 PM

Srinagar, Sep 19 (UNI) A controversy erupted on Saturday over a proposed “Tantra in Silence” retreat proposed to be held close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez Valley of Bandipora district, with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Kashmir’s chief cleric urging the authorities to halt the event.

see more..

UP: Food Safety Dept’s crackdown continues under ‘Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai’ campaign

19 Sep 2026 | 9:42 PM

Lucknow, Sep 19 (UNI) As part of the ‘Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai’ (Purity is Auspicious) campaign—aimed at providing safe, hygienic, and quality food products to consumers in Uttar Pradesh—the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department conducted special inspections against fast-food retail chains and restaurants in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Noida.

see more..

Kashmir World Film Festival founder questions government festival, seeks greater space for local filmmakers

19 Sep 2026 | 9:38 PM

Srinagar, Sep 19 (UNI) Founder-director of the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF), Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, has questioned the level of participation and recognition accorded to Kashmiri filmmakers and artists at a recently held government-backed film festival in Kashmir, saying local talent deserved a more meaningful platform.

see more..