The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) will celebrate its 70th anniversary in March 2021. In the celebration, the Indian Air Force’s Sarang, Surya kirans and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will participate in Colombo from March 3 to 5, 2021.
Significance
The participation of the Indian Air Force in the 70th anniversary celebration of SLAF signifies the strong professional bonds between the two air forces.
Surya Kiran
It is an aerobatics demonstration team of Indian Air Force (IAF). Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is a part of 52nd Squadron of the IAF. It was formed in the year 1996. This team performs the several demonstrations with nine aircraft. Till 2011, the squadron was composed of HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 military trainer aircraft. This squadron was based in Karnataka’s Bidar Air Force Station. But this team got suspended in February 2011 and was re-established in the year 2017 with Hawk Mk-132 aircraft.
Sarang
It is the helicopter air display team under the IAF. The team flies four modified HAL Dhruv helicopters which is also known as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). This team was formed in October 2003. The team gave its first performance at Asian Aerospace show in Singapore in the year 2004.
HAL Tejas
The HAL Tejas has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Authority. It is a single-engine, fourth-generation and multirole light fighter. This fighter was designed in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is used in the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF)
It is the air wing of Sri Lanka Armed Forces. SLAF was established in the year 1951 as Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) in association with the Royal Air Force (RAF). The air wing played a significant role in the Sri Lankan Civil War. It operates more than 160 aircraft. It comprises of 27,400 trained airmen and 1,300 officers. Commander of Air Force is the professional head of Sri Lanka Air Force.