- Indian Air Force’s daredevil display team to paint the skies with breathtaking formations during 11 Squadron’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 11
Five helicopters. One breathtaking formation. A sky-high salute to 75 years of service. Vadodara is set for an unforgettable aviation spectacle as the Indian Air Force’s celebrated Sarang Helicopter Display Team takes to the skies from November 12 to 15, bringing precision, daring and indigenous aerospace excellence to the city as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of 11 Squadron.
The four-day display is designed not merely to enthral spectators but also to connect the Indian Air Force with the people, inspire school students and young aviation enthusiasts, kindle interest in science and technology, and showcase the professionalism, discipline and technological capabilities of India’s military aviation. It will also provide veterans, serving personnel and their families an occasion to celebrate the proud legacy of the Air Force.
Five helicopters, one extraordinary display
Sarang, the Indian Air Force’s helicopter aerobatic display team, holds the distinction of being one of the few military display teams in the world to fly a five-helicopter formation. Its pilots will demonstrate exceptional aerial precision, seamless coordination and spectacular close-formation manoeuvres over Vadodara Airfield.
Flying the indigenously designed and manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, the team showcases the extraordinary control, discipline and flying skills demanded by complex aerial formations. Every manoeuvre is a testament to the pilots’ expertise, rigorous training and the trust they place in one another.
Indigenous Dhurv: India’s aerospace capability in the spotlight
At the heart of the display is the ALH Dhruv, a symbol of India’s growing indigenous aerospace capability. The Sarang team’s performances demonstrate how an Indian-designed and manufactured helicopter can be deployed in demanding precision displays, placing the country’s aviation engineering achievements before a wide public audience.
Peacock colours, courage and national pride
Named after the peacock, India’s national bird, Sarang brings together the elegance of its colourful helicopters and the audacity of military aerobatics. Since its inception, the team has represented the Indian Air Force at prestigious national and international air shows, winning admiration for its spectacular performances and impeccable teamwork.
An inspiring flight path for the next generation
For schoolchildren and young visitors, the Vadodara air show offers a rare opportunity to witness aviation science in action. The precision of the formations and the coordination between pilots can spark curiosity about aeronautics, engineering, technology and careers in the Armed Forces.
For veterans and serving air warriors, the performance will carry a deeper emotional resonance — celebrating the service, sacrifice, camaraderie and institutional pride that define the Indian Air Force.
Platinum Jubilee: Celebrating legacy, inspiring the future
The Sarang display adds a spectacular public dimension to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of 11 Squadron. Beyond the thrill of daredevil manoeuvres, the event seeks to strengthen the bond between the Air Force and the community, honour the service legacy of the Squadron and inspire the next generation to look towards the skies with ambition and confidence.
Vadodara is therefore invited to look up: the skies are about to become a stage for courage, precision and India’s indigenous flying prowess.