Gujarat Gears Up for Sarang Helicopter Display Magic
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
INDIAN AIR FORCE ORGANISES SARANG HELICOPTER DISPLAY AT ANKLESHWAR
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the Indian Air Force is all set to captivate the people of Bharuch district with a spectacular aerial display over the Ankleshwar Airfield. Renowned for their vibrant helicopters and flawless formation flying, the Sarang team will conduct practice displays from 03 to 05 December 2025, culminating in a grand public performance on 07 December 2025. The Sarang Display will be conducted on 07 December 2025 from 0930 hours onwards at Ankleshwar Airstrip.
This event is expected to draw large crowds, as Ankleshwar and Bharuch have a strong interest in aviation and defence activities. Local authorities will put basic crowd-management arrangements in place, such as traffic control near the airstrip, safety barriers and first-aid points. Public displays like these also help young students understand how the Air Force works and inspire them to join the services in the future. Air shows often attract families, school groups and aviation fans who enjoy watching precision flying up close.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘peacock’, Sarang stands as a proud aerial ambassador of the Indian Air Force, reflecting the professionalism, precision and unwavering commitment of its Air Warriors. Since its inception, the team has enthralled audiences worldwide with its synchronised aerobatic manoeuvres. The Sarangs made their international debut at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore in 2004 and have since performed over 1,200 displays across more than 390 venues globally.
The Sarang team was formed in the early 2000s with the aim of showing India’s growing strength in helicopter design and pilot training. Their colourful peacock-themed paint scheme is well known and helps the team stand out in the sky. Each pilot goes through many hours of extra training, as helicopter aerobatics require sharp skill and careful teamwork. The team has also taken part in major events like Aero India, Republic Day fly-pasts and international defence exhibitions. Many aviation experts describe Sarang as one of the very few dedicated helicopter aerobatic teams in the world.
Flying the indigenously built ‘Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Sarangs embody the spirit of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). The Dhruv, an all-weather multi-mission helicopter, showcases India’s growing technological strength. The team operates the highly agile ALH Mk I variant, known for its superior manoeuvrability and reliability.
The Dhruv ALH is used by the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. It plays an important role in rescue missions, medical evacuations and disaster relief. Its strong engine and light weight make it ideal for flying at high altitudes, including regions like Siachen and Ladakh. HAL has exported this helicopter to friendly nations, showing trust in India’s engineering. The ALH’s advanced features, such as a glass cockpit and a strong four-blade rotor, give pilots better control during tight aerobatic turns. For the Sarang pilots, the ALH Mk I offers both safety and flexibility for crowd-friendly performances.
As the Sarang team takes to the skies of Ankleshwar, spectators can look forward to a thrilling display of aerial excellence, discipline and national pride – hallmarks of the Indian Air Force.
Shows like this also help the Air Force connect with citizens and encourage more young people to explore careers in aviation, engineering and defence services. The team’s visit is expected to support local tourism for the day, with nearby hotels, eateries and shops preparing for increased footfall. Many families are likely to travel from Vadodara, Surat and Bharuch to enjoy the rare opportunity of watching a world-class helicopter formation team in action. Events like this also highlight India’s growing defence capabilities and its strong focus on Make in India technologies.