New Delhi | India is set to make a striking impression at the Dubai Airshow 2025, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) deploying a major contingent featuring the renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The fleet touched down at Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airbase ahead of the five-day aviation extravaganza scheduled from November 17 to 21.
The IAF confirmed the team’s arrival on its official X handle, announcing: “For the Dubai Air Show, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Tejas fighters have landed at Al Maktoum Airbase.” The Suryakiran team also shared its excitement online with a message: “Hello Dubai! The Suryakiran team has arrived to participate in the Dubai Air Show 2025.”
A Showcase of Indian Air Power and Diplomacy
According to defence officials, India’s participation aims to demonstrate the country’s growing aerospace capabilities and strengthen defence diplomacy across the Middle East. The Dubai Airshow will host over 1,500 exhibitors, 490 delegations, and more than 200 aircraft, making it one of the world’s largest aviation events.
IAF Wing Commander Ashish Sudhir Moge stated that the Indian contingent comprises nearly 180 personnel. While the Suryakiran team arrived flying their aircraft, additional equipment and support staff were airlifted using C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport aircraft—highlighting the scale of India’s preparation.
Suryakiran: India’s Iconic Aerobatic Team
Formed in 1996, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team is globally acclaimed for its precision flying, symmetrical formations, and high-speed manoeuvres. Equipped with Hawk Mk-132 jets, SKAT has performed at more than 700 international events. Their participation in Dubai marks another milestone in India’s aerial showmanship.
Tejas: India’s ‘Make in India’ Fighter Takes the Spotlight
For the first time in Dubai, the LCA Tejas—developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative—will be part of both static and aerial displays. Visitors will get an up-close look at the fighter’s advanced avionics, aerodynamic design, and combat-readiness during static display sessions. In the air, Tejas will demonstrate its agility and high-performance manoeuvrability.
Sharing the Stage with Global Aerobatic Giants
The Indian contingent will perform alongside some of the world’s most celebrated teams, including the Saudi Hawks, Russia’s famed Russian Knights, and the UAE’s homegrown Al Fursan aerobatic team. The combination of Suryakiran’s formations and Tejas’s high-energy solo display is expected to draw significant international attention.
India’s strong presence at Dubai Airshow 2025 underscores its expanding footprint in global aviation and its confidence in homegrown defence capabilities, marking another major step in positioning itself as an emerging aerospace power.
