The team led by Wing Commander Amit Tiwari, Squadron Leader Anil Gore Squadron leader Rajeev Oberoi and others flying the jet trainer `Kiran' exhibited their grit, determination, skill, training and coordination. The wing tips were barely five metres away from each other in some formations.

The IAF formed its first dedicated formational aerobatic team `Thunderbolts' in 1982 to mark the golden jubilee year of the academy. It was a nine aircraft team flying the venerable `Hunter' AC. After the phasing out of the Hunters, the team got on to `Kiran', a jet trainer. The team was renamed `Suryakiran' (Sunrays)', started off with six aircraft in 1996 and graduated to nine.

The Kiran aircraft being manually controlled and short on thrust, requires skill, finesse and technique for a formation of nine aircrafts to be flown. The pilots see nothing but the wings of the aircraft next to his craft. The only thought that crosses their minds is how to unerringly stay in position.

The team spewed the colours of the national flag, displayed various formations such as shockwave, double arrow head, tango, global, Yankee, card, Valkyrie and Phoenix.