Hamirpur (HP), March 25 The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force performed aerial maneuvers and formations during a display over the Sainik School Sujanpur Tira ground here on Wednesday morning, officials said.
A total of nine aircraft participated in the nearly half-an-hour show, in the presence of a large crowd, including students, they added.
The aircraft, which took off from Air Force stations Chandigarh and Adampur, flew directly over the Sujanpur grounds and created various formations using smoke trails.
Sainik School principal Rachna Joshi said that two alumni, Air Commodore Brijesh Paul and Squadron Leader Himkush Chandel, were part of the team.
She said the school has earned the distinct honour of hosting the first Air Force air show in Himachal Pradesh.
"This will inspire children and youth of the state to aspire to become military officers," she said.
A spokesman said the show will be held again on Thursday.
NCC cadets Isha Sharma and Priyanka, who came to watch the air show, said they witnessed aerial maneuvers that they had previously only seen in movies.
The SKAT is among the world's elite aerobatic squads and has represented the Indian Air Force at international air shows in countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
The primary objective of this event is to encourage youth, especially students, to consider a career in the Air Force, officials said.
Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore, SP Balbir Singh Thakur and local MLA Captain Ranjit Singh Rana were also present.