Indian Air Force Chief Set to Fly with Surya Kiran Hawks

In a rare and symbolic gesture, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh may take the controls of a Hawk Mk-132 during the Surya Kiran team's 30th anniversary celebrations on 26 May. The planned flight underscores the deep operational bond between the service leadership and one of the Indian Air Force's most visible units. Originally equipped with Kiran Mk-2 trainers, the team adopted the Hawk platform in 2015 after receiving formal squadron status as 52 Sharks. The red-and-white jets have since performed over 800 shows in India and abroad, dazzling spectators with precision loops, rolls and tight-formation maneuvers. International appearances in Myanmar, Singapore and the UAE have turned the unit into a flying showcase of Indian aerospace capability. Chiefs of the Air Staff have occasionally demonstrated their flying skills on significant occasions. Singh's recent sorties include the Tejas twin-seater at Aero India 2025 and the MiG-21 at NAL in August 2025. His expected participation with Surya Kiran will mark another chapter in this tradition, highlighting both personal airmanship and institutional pride.