Lt Col Varun: Engineering Mastermind of IAF's Sarang Helicopter Display at NDA's 150th Graduation
Pune, 28 May 2026 — As the National Defence Academy (NDA) gears up to celebrate its 150th Course graduation tomorrow, Lieutenant Colonel Varun of the Indian Army has emerged as a key figure in orchestrating the aerial display over the renowned Sudan Block and Salaria Square.
Presently serving with the Indian Air Force’s esteemed Sarang Helicopter Display Team as the Team Engineering Officer, Lt Col Varun exemplifies outstanding professional standards and inter-service collaboration. His pivotal role ensures that the world’s only five-helicopter military display team performs with precision, combining spectacular aerobatics with stringent safety measures.
The Sarang Legacy
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team, formally established as No. 151 Helicopter Unit in 2005, has gained international recognition for its precise formation flying using five indigenously developed HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv aircraft adorned in the Indian tricolour “peacock” livery. The name “Sarang,” derived from the Sanskrit word for peacock, symbolizes grace and elegance. The team has conducted over 1,200 displays across more than 390 global venues.
For the 150th Course convocation, the team will unveil an advanced display routine featuring all five helicopters in intricate manoeuvres, including the full diamond formation, an enhanced five-ship crossover, and the hallmark “Sarang Heart,” where two helicopters form a heart pierced by a third. The performance will conclude with the dramatic “Sarang Split.” These routines mark a technical evolution from the previous four-helicopter formations.
Engineering the Impossible: Lt Col Varun’s Mandate
The success of these displays hinges on meticulous engineering oversight. Lt Col Varun, an officer of the Indian Army on assignment with the IAF, ensures the technical integrity, maintenance, and operational readiness of the Sarang fleet.
The team maintains a total of 12 helicopters for training, contingencies, and display commitments. During performances, five helicopters operate in a separated formation, a deliberate safety measure that allows for complex aerobatics while maintaining critical separation. Coordinating the simultaneous takeoff of all five helicopters, often under varying conditions and at short notice, requires exceptional planning and precision.
During a recent media interaction in Pune, Lt Col Varun highlighted the challenges:
“We are maintaining 12 helicopters, and the 5 helicopters are flying further displaced… All five helicopters take off together, which is a challenge in itself. Flexibility is required with respect to changes in locations, timings, and manpower.”
His comments emphasize the dynamic nature of display operations, where adaptability is as crucial as technical expertise. Every manoeuvre is carefully planned, documented, reviewed, and improved. Safety standards remain a priority, with ongoing monitoring of aircraft systems, rotor dynamics, and environmental factors.
A Model of Jointmanship
Lt Col Varun’s assignment to the Sarang team showcases exemplary jointmanship — the seamless integration of resources and talent across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Having an Army officer manage the engineering foundation of an IAF display unit illustrates the Armed Forces’ commitment to unified operational capability.
His role reinforces the ethos of the National Defence Academy itself, where leaders are trained to transcend service boundaries in pursuit of national security objectives. The inclusion of women co-pilots, such as Squadron Leader Nidarshana Sharma as co-pilot in the lead aircraft, underscores the progressive, merit-based culture defining both the Sarang team and the broader defence establishment.
Technical Excellence and Indigenous Pride
The ALH Dhruv helicopters used by Sarang represent India’s increasing aerospace self-reliance. Lt Col Varun and his engineering team ensure these multi-role helicopters meet the stringent demands of close-formation aerobatics and support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting Indian engineering prowess globally.
Anticipation for 29 May 2026
Tomorrow’s display at the NDA will be more than a ceremonial event; it will serve as an inspiration for the graduating cadets, including the third batch of women officers, as they begin their careers in national defense. The sight of five Sarang helicopters flying in perfect harmony over Sudan Block will exemplify the precision, discipline, and teamwork that Lt Col Varun and his colleagues represent.
As the countdown to 12:30 pm on 29 May progresses, the nation looks on with pride. Behind the spectacle lies the quiet professionalism of officers like Lt Col Varun — engineers, leaders, and guardians of excellence whose dedication ensures every Sarang performance reflects the best of India’s Armed Forces.
The skies over Khadakwasla will speak tomorrow, and every graceful arc and precise formation will reflect the engineering expertise of an Indian Army officer serving the IAF with distinction.
