Defence Exhibition
Indian Air Force holds inaugural airshow at Meerut's New Integrated Township
The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team staged its first air show over Meerut on Saturday, with nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft performing formations and aerobatic manoeuvres before thousands of spectators at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur. The IAF air show was organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan of the Central and state governments.
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Aircraft type & count | Nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft |
| Display duration | Between 9:45 AM and 11:30 AM |
| Takeoff location | Hindon Air Base |
| Arrival time in Meerut | Around 10:25 am |
| Flight altitude | Some aircraft flying at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet |
| Meerut pilots involved | Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh flew the Hawk jets and performed aerobatics, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal managed the entire display from the ground. |
| Manoeuvres demonstrated | Loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the DNA manoeuvre |
| Proposal & approval timeline | Proposal submitted May 13 and received approval on September 8 |
| Restricted airspace | Temporary restricted air zone of 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometres) declared until September 21; ban on drones, remotely operated aircraft, hot air balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles |
First Meerut airshow marks IAF's maiden display in city
The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team staged its first air show over Meerut on Saturday, with nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft performing formations and aerobatic manoeuvres before thousands of spectators at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur. Thousands of people had gathered to witness the event. Several leaders, including a Rajya Sabha MP, were present at the place, while district officials including the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) managed the arrangements.
Approval and planning
Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Vajpayee said the proposal for the Meerut airshow was submitted on May 13 and received approval on September 8. The air show was held at the New Integrated Township in Mohiuddinpur under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan of the Central and state governments. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is scheduled to be organized across the state and the entire country from September 17, 2026, to October 17, 2026.
Aircraft performance and manoeuvres
The display began with a V-shaped formation before the aircraft dispersed and regrouped within seconds. The team performed loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the DNA manoeuvre, with some aircraft flying at an altitude of around 100 to 150 feet. Thousands of people kept their gaze fixed in the sky amid the roar of Hawk Mk-132 aircraft that flew past, leaving saffron, white and green trails behind, and the entire atmosphere filled with patriotic fervour and chants of Vande Mataram.
Local pilots' participation
Three squadron leaders from Meerut were part of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh flew the Hawk jets and performed aerobatics, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal managed the entire display from the ground. Seeing officers from their own city taking part in the historic event increased excitement among local residents. The participation of Meerut's air warriors became one of the biggest highlights of the programme.
Security and airspace restrictions
Security measures were strengthened around the Mohiuddinpur area. A temporary restricted air zone of 10 nautical miles, around 18.5 kilometres, was declared until September 21. The restrictions included a ban on drones, remotely operated aircraft, hot air balloons and other unmanned aerial vehicles to ensure safety during and after the air show.
Strategic purpose and outreach
Beyond entertainment, the event aimed to convey the messages of national service and discipline to the youth. School children witnessed the capability, courage and technical proficiency of the Indian Air Force first-hand. Through such events, efforts are being made to increase a sense of responsibility towards the nation among the youth and their interest in defence service. The air show attracted students, NCC cadets, families, professionals and aviation enthusiasts.
About the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has relied on the British-origin Hawk aircraft, specifically the Hawk Mk 132, since 2008. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Adour Mk 871 twin-spool turbofan engine, the aircraft has a range of 2,520 kilometers and a top speed of 1,065 kilometers per hour. India boasts the world's largest fleet of Hawk advanced jet trainers outside the UK, totalling 123 aircraft. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team incorporates the BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, specifically the Hawk Mk 132. The aerobatics demonstration team belongs to the Indian Air Force and was established in 1996.
Township context
The event took place in the New Integrated Township area near Mohiuddinpur. The township, being developed by the Meerut Development Authority (MEDA) on 294 hectares in Mohiuddinpur along Delhi Road, will follow a mixed-use model with residential, commercial, and industrial activities on different floors of the same buildings.
Frequently asked questions
Was this the first airshow in Meerut?
Yes. The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team performed its first air show in the city on September 19, 2026.
Which aircraft were used in the display?
Nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft performed formations and aerobatic manoeuvres. The Hawk Mk 132 is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h and altitudes of more than 13,000 meters.
How many pilots from Meerut were involved?
Three squadron leaders from Meerut were part of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Squadron Leaders Aman Goyal and Rahul Singh flew the aircraft, while Squadron Leader Sharad Goyal coordinated the display from the ground.
What was the purpose of holding this airshow?
Beyond entertainment, the event aimed to convey the messages of national service and discipline to the youth. The event showcased the Indian Air Force's operational skills, discipline and technological capabilities while inspiring young people towards careers in defence services.
Was there a waiting period from proposal to approval?
The proposal for the Meerut airshow was submitted on May 13 and received approval on September 8, a period of approximately four months.
What airspace restrictions were in place?
A temporary restricted air zone of 10 nautical miles (around 18.5 kilometres) was declared until September 21, with a ban on drones, remotely operated aircraft, hot air balloons and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
How long has the Suryakiran team been performing?
The Suryakiran aerobatic team was established in 1996.
Sources
- Surya Kiran air show lights up skies above Meerut
- IAF Conducts Spectacular Air Show In Meerut, Leaves People Spellbound
- IAF Suryakiran team enthrals audience in Meerut
- Suryakiran Air Show In Meerut Stuns Crowd As Nine Hawk Jets Paint Sky
- Suryakiran Aerobatic Team stages first air show over Meerut
- Meerut: Indian Air Force Air Show Gallery
- Sky roared, eyes stopped, Suryakiran writes new chapter in Meerut
- Scout the Best of the IAF Hawk Mk 132 Advanced Trainer
- Hawk 132 aircraft, UPSC Current Affairs
- Meerut New Integrated Township development details