Pune, 28 May 2026 — As the National Defence Academy (NDA) prepares to celebrate the graduation of its landmark 150th Course tomorrow, one name stands out in the meticulous preparations for the aerial spectacle that will grace the skies over the iconic Sudan Block and Salaria Square: Lieutenant Colonel Varun of the Indian Army.
Currently serving as Team Engineering Officer with the Indian Air Force’s elite Sarang Helicopter Display Team, Lt Col Varun embodies the highest standards of professional excellence and inter-service synergy. His role is central to ensuring that the world’s only five-helicopter military display team delivers flawless performances that combine breathtaking aerobatics with uncompromising safety.
The Sarang Legacy
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team, formally established in 2005 as No. 151 Helicopter Unit, has earned global acclaim for its precision formation flying aboard five indigenously built HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv aircraft, resplendent in the Indian tricolour “peacock” livery. Named after the Sanskrit word for peacock — symbolising grace and elegance — the team has executed more than 1,200 displays across over 390 venues worldwide.
For the 150th Course convocation, the team will debut an upgraded repertoire featuring all five helicopters in complex manoeuvres, including the full diamond formation, an enhanced five-ship crossover, the signature “Sarang Heart” (where two aircraft trace a heart pierced by a third), and the dramatic concluding “Sarang Split.” These evolutions represent a significant technical advancement from the previous four-helicopter configuration.
Engineering the Impossible: Lt Col Varun’s Mandate
Behind every flawless display lies rigorous engineering oversight. Lt Col Varun, an Indian Army officer on deputation to the IAF, shoulders responsibility for the technical integrity, maintenance, and operational readiness of the entire Sarang fleet.
The team maintains a total of 12 helicopters to support training, contingencies, and display commitments. During actual performances, five aircraft operate in a further displaced formation — a deliberate safety measure that allows complex aerobatics while preserving critical separation margins. Coordinating the simultaneous takeoff of all five helicopters, often under varying environmental conditions and at short notice, demands exceptional planning, real-time decision-making, and absolute precision.
In a recent interaction with the media in Pune, Lt Col Varun articulated the challenges with characteristic clarity:
“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 remarks underscore the dynamic nature of display operations, where adaptability is as vital as technical expertise. Every manoeuvre is meticulously planned, recorded, debriefed, and refined. Safety standards remain non-negotiable, with continuous monitoring of aircraft systems, rotor dynamics, and environmental factors.
A Model of Jointmanship
Lt Col Varun’s secondment to the Sarang team exemplifies jointmanship at its finest — the seamless integration of talent and resources across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. An Army officer entrusted with the engineering backbone of an IAF display unit is a powerful demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to unified operational capability.
His presence reinforces the ethos of the National Defence Academy itself, where future leaders are trained to transcend service boundaries in pursuit of national security objectives. The inclusion of women co-pilots, including Squadron Leader Nidarshana Sharma as co-pilot in the lead aircraft, further highlights the progressive and merit-based culture that defines both the Sarang team and the wider defence establishment.
Technical Excellence and Indigenous Pride
The ALH Dhruv platforms flown by Sarang are products of India’s growing aerospace self-reliance. Lt Col Varun and his engineering team ensure that these multi-role helicopters — designed for all-weather operations — consistently meet the exacting demands of close-formation aerobatics. Their work directly supports the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision while showcasing Indian engineering prowess on the global stage.
Anticipation for 29 May 2026
Tomorrow’s display at NDA will be more than a ceremonial highlight; it will serve as a powerful inspiration for the graduating cadets — including the third batch of women officers — as they embark on their careers defending the nation. The sight of five Sarang helicopters painting the skies above the Sudan Block in perfect synchrony will stand as a testament to the precision, discipline, and collaborative spirit that Lt Col Varun and his colleagues embody.
As the countdown to 12:30 pm on 29 May continues, the nation watches with pride. Behind the spectacle lies the quiet professionalism of officers like Lt Col Varun — engineers, leaders, and guardians of excellence whose dedication ensures that every Sarang performance reflects the very best of India’s Armed Forces.
The skies over Khadakwasla will speak tomorrow. And behind every graceful arc and precise formation will be the engineering precision of an Indian Army officer serving the IAF with distinction.
