Meet Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu: Rising Face of the Indian Air Force

In an era when the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to showcase its precision and excellence through high-profile aerial displays, one officer has emerged as a compelling bridge between the skies and the public. Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, the official commentator, administrator, and Public Relations Officer of the prestigious Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), has become synonymous with the team’s dynamic presence. Known across the nation as the “Voice of Surya Kiran,” she delivers eloquent live narration that transforms complex aerobatic manoeuvres into accessible narratives of skill, discipline, and national pride.

At 29 years of age, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu hails from Panchkula in the Tricity region near Chandigarh. She belongs to a distinguished military family: her father, Colonel Kirpal Singh, served in the Indian Army’s Artillery, while her mother, Brigadier Karamjit Kaur, served in the Military Nursing Service. “With both my parents in the Army, the forces were always part of my life,” she has reflected. “But the turning point for me came later.” This upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of service, yet it was a pivotal moment outside her familial influence that shaped her career trajectory.

An architecture graduate from the Manipal Institute of Technology, Sandhu initially pursued a civilian profession. However, her path diverged dramatically during the Aero India air show in Bengaluru in 2019. Witnessing an IAF aerobatic display up close left an indelible impression. “I saw them perform up close, and that stayed with me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a part of this world,” she recounted. Motivated by this experience, she cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) later that year and joined the IAF. She was commissioned on 19 December 2020 as a Flying Officer through the 206 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course in the Administrative Branch. By 2023, she had been selected for the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, where she serves as its public face while managing ground operations.

As a ground-duty administrative officer—not a pilot—Flight Lieutenant Sandhu’s contributions to SKAT are indispensable. Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team, operating BAE Hawk Mk 132 jets, relies on her for real-time commentary during performances. Her narration explains intricate formations such as the Heart, Diamond, Loop, Grover, Dawn Light, and Combat Tejas, while fostering an emotional connection with spectators. She has featured prominently in numerous high-visibility events, including shows in Ranchi (April 2025), Patna during Veer Kunwar Singh Vijayotsav (April 2025), Hyderabad (January 2026), Raipur (November 2025), Bengaluru (February 2025), and most recently in Chandigarh at Sukhna Lake on 27–28 March 2026.

In each engagement, Sandhu emphasises the team’s mission beyond spectacle. “Many pilots in the team once watched Surya Kiran as children,” she noted during the Hyderabad display, underscoring the inspirational ripple effect on the next generation. Her commentary consistently highlights themes of teamwork, precision, and patriotism, motivating youth to consider careers in the armed forces.

Beyond her professional duties, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu stands as a powerful advocate for gender equality within the military. In a widely referenced statement, she observed: “Indian Defence Services is such an organization, when you wear this uniform once there is no such differentiation that you are a male or a female. Any woman who is aspiring to join the Indian Air Force…” This perspective has positioned her as a role model, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that women can excel in high-visibility roles traditionally associated with male officers. Her presence in SKAT amplifies the IAF’s commitment to inclusivity while inspiring aspiring female candidates nationwide.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu’s rapid rise exemplifies the evolving ethos of the Indian Air Force—one that values not only operational excellence but also effective public engagement and leadership. As SKAT continues its nationwide tours, painting the skies in tricolour formations, her voice resonates as a symbol of modern Indian aspiration: professional, articulate, and unwavering in service. In her, the nation sees a new generation of air warriors who not only defend the skies but also illuminate the path for others to follow.