IAF’S Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team to perform at Zhuhai Airshow China 2008

The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) has landed in China where it will perform at the seventh edition of the biennial Zhuhai Air Show (Airshow China 2008). The show is scheduled to be held from 4-9 November at the city of Zhuhai, located on China's eastern coast, near the metro city of Shanghai.

According to ministry of defence sources, the SKAT team would carry out a display in the Laotian capital of Vieng Chan on the return leg.

The Suryakiran Team will be commanded by Wg Cdr JT Kurien while the IAF contingent will be headed by Gp Capt A Saxena. The 12 aircraft SKAT team will be supported by a contingent of 48 officers and 88 airmen. The contingent would be ferried by two AN-32 and one IL-76 aircraft.

The SKAT departed its base at Air Force Station Bidar on 24 October and entered Chinese airspace on 29 October. It is slated to arrive at Zhuhai on 31 October.

On the return leg, SKAT would depart Zhuhai on 12 November and exit Chinese airspace on 14 November. On its way out the team would be transiting through the Chinese airfields of Gasa, Kunming, Guiyang and Guilin.

SKAT will perform at the Laotian capital of Vieng Chan on 17 November.

SKAT will be the only team carrying out an air display at the Zhuhai show and it is expected that they may take centre stage.