Hindon (Ghaziabad), Oct 13: Symbolising growing defence cooperation between the two countries, the first-ever joint display by Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatics team and British Royal Air Forces' Red Arrows dazzled spectators here today. With Surya Kiran's nine Kiran MK I and one of world's best aerobatics team Red Arrows' eight Hawks displaying spectacular and breathtaking formations, it was an exhibition of manoeuverability, expertise and professionalism of the two teams.

As thousands of people including chief guest Marshall of the Air Force Arjan Singh watched with awe at the Hindon Air Force Station, the two teams, as if vying with each other, displayed a number of formations shaping like diamond, delta, heart, wineglass, card, including the spectacular fountain split.

The show began with Surya Kiran team rolling on the runway for a perfect synchronised take off with the last three emitting tricolour smoke. Soon, the nine closed in into diamond shaped formation.

Shortly, the Red Arrows' Hawks appeared on the horizon and roared past the audience who rose in unison to give a thunderous applause.
The highlight of the show was the sun formation with both the teams zooming towards the audience in unison and then flying in different directions.

There was a collective gasp on the ground when the groups after splitting into two headed towards each other and then veered off at the last moment.
A solo performance by a Sukhoi-30 also enthralled the crowd.

Bureau Report