Bareilly, 15 October 2026: The Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team has returned to Bareilly after an eight-year gap, with aerial demonstrations lined up at the Air Force Station, Bareilly, also called Trishul Airbase. The team last performed in the city in 2018, and the current programme runs from 13 to 17 October 2026. Public displays for students and invited members of the civilian community are scheduled for 15 and 17 October.
Practice Flights and Air Show Performance
The five-day engagement began with practice sessions and coordination exercises on 13 October, where the team worked on synchronised aerial sequences and close-formation manoeuvres. On 14 October, Sarang took part in an Air Force Day-related air show at Trishul Airbase and flew for about 15 minutes.
During that display, the helicopters executed formations including arrowhead, India in a straight-line configuration, and diamond, along with the team’s signature Dolphin Leap. For visibility from the ground, the aircraft flew at roughly 50 to 150 metres altitude.
Team Role and Aircraft
Squadron Leader Gokul, who captains one of the helicopters, said the team’s work is not limited to aerobatic displays and also includes joint exercises and humanitarian missions. Another pilot spoke with students after the performance, adding an outreach element to the event.
Sarang flies five indigenously designed and manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv aircraft. It is among the few military helicopter aerobatic teams in the world and is often described as the only five-helicopter display team of its kind. Formed in 2003, the team takes its name from the Sanskrit word for peacock, which is reflected in the bright colour scheme of its helicopters.
Purpose of the Displays
The team’s routines are built around close-proximity flying, precision, discipline and teamwork. The displays are intended to highlight India’s indigenous aerospace technology and the operational proficiency of Indian Air Force pilots. They are also meant to introduce young audiences to military aviation and encourage interest in science, technology, aerospace engineering and careers in the armed forces.
School and college students, along with invited civilians, form the main audience for the Bareilly programme.
Recent Overseas Appearance
Before returning to Bareilly, Sarang represented the Indian Air Force at the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt from 8 to 10 September 2026. There, the team flew its Dolphin Leap and also introduced a new manoeuvre, the Spot Stall Turn, showcasing the agility of the ALH Dhruv and the skill of its pilots on an international stage.
The team’s return to Bareilly gives local residents a rare chance to watch precision helicopter aerobatics up close, while also reflecting the Indian Air Force’s emphasis on public outreach, professional excellence and indigenous capability.
