In an era where the Indian Air Force continues to captivate audiences with precision aerial displays, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu has emerged as a powerful link between the skies and the public. Serving as the official commentator, administrator, and Public Relations Officer of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), she is widely recognised as the “Voice of Surya Kiran.” Her live narration transforms complex aerobatic manoeuvres into engaging stories of skill, discipline, and national pride.
At just 29, Sandhu hails from Panchkula near Chandigarh and comes from a distinguished military background. Her father, Kirpal Singh, served in the Indian Army’s Artillery, while her mother, Karamjit Kaur, was a Brigadier in the Military Nursing Service. Growing up in such an environment instilled a strong sense of duty, though her ultimate career path was shaped by a defining personal experience.
An architecture graduate from the Manipal Institute of Technology, Sandhu initially pursued a civilian career. However, her perspective changed after witnessing an IAF aerobatic display at Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru. Inspired by the performance, she cleared the AFCAT exam the same year and joined the Air Force. She was commissioned on 19 December 2020 as a Flying Officer and later inducted into SKAT in 2023.
Today, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu plays a crucial role in shaping the public image of one of India’s most prestigious aerobatic teams. While managing ground operations, she continues to inspire thousands with her confident voice and dedication, representing the new generation of officers redefining excellence in the Indian Air Force.
