Group Captain Anoop Singh.
The Surya Kiran (rays of the sun) team has continued to be at the centre of attraction in the Indian Air Force with its dazzling and thrilling aerobatics. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, which was formed in 1996, holds a special place in the Indian Air Force as its aerobatics demonstration team. Palak Sharma of India Sentinels brings you a special tête-à-tête with the new commanding officer of the youngest nine-aircraft aerobatic team in the world – Group Captain Anoop Singh, VM.
Palak Sharma: Congratulations on taking over as the commanding officer of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. Tough times indeed, with all the restrictions placed on personnel movement, distancing in offices and health protocol due to the pandemic ... did this all affect the smooth handing-taking over the charge?
Group Captain Anoop Singh: We are taking all possible precautions against the Covid-19 outbreak. However, it didn’t really impact the “handing-taking over” formalities. I would like to take this opportunity to ask all your readers to cooperate and be disciplined in the fight against this virus.
PS: The Surya Kiran is perhaps the only squadron without any greenhorns as all are drawn from the supervisory-level officers from the frontline squadrons and flying-training establishments (FTEs). How is it to manage a bunch of “senior” pilots?
Gp Capt AS: Yes, we do not have inexperienced pilots on their strength. One may imagine a lot of locked horns when several accomplished professionals are together in one team but along with experience comes maturity and competence and it is actually quite a breeze to (using your phrase) “manage” these capable and driven officers.
PS: How does the career management of a Surya Kiran pilot take place? Can you throw some light on the smooth functioning of the team and a healthy balance in career progress of the pilots since they miss out on crucial courses, like Defence Services Staff College, during their time in the team?
Gp Capt AS: Joining the team may be a slight deviation from the typical career path of a fighter pilot, but it does not really result in their missing out on any courses, nor does it adversely affect their career. In fact, we have some very senior and respected officers who have been a part of the team.
If anything, the challenging flying environment and teamwork is a great learning experience which holds them in good stead in their careers.
The Surya Kiran team of pilots.
PS: Now that the team has had two women administrators, when can we expect to see a woman pilot or engineer in the team?
Gp Capt AS: As you had mentioned earlier, we draw our pilots from those with a fair amount of experience. Presently, the first women to have joined the IAF as fighter pilots are too junior to join the team.
The IAF has been known to provide equal opportunity to both the genders, so I think it’s just a matter of time.
PS: While most aerobatic teams in the world conduct shows that are accessible to the civilian population, why is it that the Surya Kiran restricts itself to IAF events only?
Gp Capt AS: Surya Kiran displays are not restricted to just IAF events. We have conducted several public displays since the resurrection of the team, and we will endeavour to do as many public displays as possible in the coming years.
PS: Your show brochures and commentaries talk about inspiring the youth to take up a career in the Air Force, but if the show is limited to a regulated spectator base comprising of serving personnel, how do you achieve the aim? Why don’t you dovetail a military event display with a show at, say, a city centre so that the general public gets a chance to see it as well?
Gp Capt AS: As per the last question. Additionally, there have been many displays at Air Force bases where the general public has been invited, once the security issues have been addressed.
PS: Why is the present platform lacking the de rigueur of all aerobatics teams – the smoke emission? Can you please tell us the reason behind the delay in getting the aircraft modified? What are the prospects of indigenizing under the “Make in India” banner?
Gp Capt AS: Yes, smoke dispensation is an important part of aerobatic displays and talks are underway for the same. Hopefully you will get to see us trailing the tricolour rather soon.
PS: Something striking about the team is its use of music in the display, which is definitely appealing to a Bollywood-loving spectator base. Do we have any scores composed for the display repertoire, like the Air Warrior drill team which has synced their drill to music composed by an Air Force officer?
Gp Capt AS: No, we do not have any music composed by any Air Force personnel, but it is a good idea. However, it may not be possible to synch the entire display to pre-recorded music.
PS: You had received invites from Singapore, Myanmar, Russia, etc, to perform at venues there. Why didn’t these shows materialize?
Gp Capt AS: We are unlikely to go outside the country till the pandemic is under control. Thereafter, the feasibility of any invitation we get will be assessed based on various factors.
PS: With the HJT project back on the rails and optimistic signals about an early rollout from HAL, and nods in agreement coming from the IAF as well, do you foresee the team changing over to HJT as the platform for Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team in the days to come?
Gp Capt AS: Too early to say.
PS: Your sister display team, Sarang (helicopter air display team), has a very visible operational role as well. We have seen them rendering yeoman service in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Does the Surya Kiran have an operational role? What kind of operational roles can the Hawk Mk 132 be employed on?
Gp Capt AS: We are very proud of the Sarang helicopter display team in both their roles. They have consistently done a commendable job and are deeply respected for that. Yes, the Hawk Mk 132 is capable of being used in operations.
Surya Kiran pilots.
PS: Most of the Hawk Mk 132s operated by the Surya Kiran have been produced in Bangalore by HAL. Now that the production of Mk 132 is stopped and HAL having a new baby – the Hawk-i, do you face any challenge in smooth functioning of the consumable component supply chain?
Gp Capt AS: We have not faced any maintenance challenges so far.
PS: Finally, ever since the first nine-aircraft display we have seen more or less the same display profile. Are there any plans to revamp the display profile? Any new formations/manoeuvres?
Gp Capt AS: We undertook our first nine-aircraft display in October 17. Since then there has been a steady increase in number and kind of manoeuvres that we do. Once the smoke modification is complete, the viewers will get to see more manoeuvres.
PS: Thank you very much, Gp Capt Anoop Singh, for your valuable time and frank answers. Once again, we wish you all the best as CO of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
