ISLAMABAD: The opening ceremony of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in Karachi on Wednesday will feature an exhilarating aerobatic display by the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) renowned Sherdil Squadron.
The Champions Trophy will kick off with the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. New Zealand match on February 19. A vibrant opening ceremony is planned, with the PAF’s spectacular aerobatic show being one of the main highlights, marking a return after a five-year hiatus.
The Sherdil Squadron, flying Karakoram-8 aircraft, will showcase intricate maneuvers, including barrel rolls, loops, bomb bursts, and colorful smoke displays. The impressive lineup will also feature the Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets.
First formed on September 19, 1974, the Sherdil Squadron has performed at numerous prestigious international air shows, including in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In 2020, they marked the first anniversary of downing an Indian jet with a stunning display over Karachi’s Sea View beach.
The Karakoram-8 aircraft, a state-of-the-art trainer made in Pakistan, is used for basic and advanced jet training at the PAF Academy in Risalpur. It is equipped with the capacity to carry weapons on its four hard points, in addition to a ballistic gun pod.
