CHILDREN as well as grown-ups erupted in rapturous applause as nine Surya Kiran aircraft in colours of day-glow orange and white flew past in low altitude in a marvellous display of aerobatics at the Kalaikunda Air Force station here. Flight Lt Ridhima Gurung, the spokesperson of the Surya Kiran team, said the aerobatic show was organised to encourage young men and women to join the defence forces.

“The Hawk Mark 132 aircraft entered in an arrow formation, carried out a loop, followed by a fly by in a diamond formation. Additionally, these took the shape of a rotor dedicated to the light combat helicopter Prachand, which has just been inducted in the Indian Air Force,” she told reporters.

Single aircraft displays, including a fly past in an inverted form, were performed by the team’s commanding officer Group Captain GS Dhillon, Gurung said Some scheduled aerobatic displays, however, had to be cancelled owing to low visibility at Kalaikunda and its vicinity in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, she said.

Earlier in the day, a breathtaking para-jumping performance was given by nine bravehearts of the IAF.

Master warrant officer AA Baidya, who led the Akash Ganga team that performed the para-jumping in various formations, also said that the initiative was meant to inspire youth to join the Defence forces.

Air Officer Commanding, Kalaikunda AirForce Station, Air Commodore Ran Singh told reporters that the station had celebrated its Raising Day on December 14, but the air show to mark the occasion was organised on Friday.