India's aerobatics team returns to UAE after 16 years

Two aerobatic teams from the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be taking part in the Dubai Air Show, which will be held from November 14-18 at Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International Airport.

The IAF said it had been invited by UAE to participate with the ‘Sarang’ and ‘Suryakiran’ aerobatics teams. They will be performing along with some of the best aerobatics and display teams in the world, including the Saudi Hawks, Russian Knights and the UAE’s Al Fursan.

Sarang means multi-coloured in Hindi, because its aerial manoeuvres produce colourful streaks in their wake on the skies. At the Dubai Air Show, Sarang will be accompanied by the Suryakiran and Tejas aerobatics teams.

Suryakiran means rays of sunlight and Tejas in Hindi means majestic or energetic. The teams arrived in the UAE yesterday and are now preparing for the show, the Indian government's Press Information Bureau said.

In addition, the IAF’s light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas shall be part of the aerobatics and static displays during the show.

The induction of five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruvs of the Sarang Team, 10 BAE Hawk 132s of the Suryakiran Team and the three LCA Tejas was completed by November 9, 21, said IAF.

The induction was supported by the IAF’s C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-130J Super Hercules. “The teams are now preparing for the opening ceremony on 14th November 21,” said IAF in a statement.