Pakistan Air Force Thrills at ICC Champions Trophy
The Sherdil Squadron's performance will be a showcase of the Pakistan Air Force's capabilities and a celebration of the country's aviation expertise, featuring a range of aircraft and maneuvers that will leave the audience in awe.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will perform a spectacular aerial demonstration at the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring high-speed aerobatic performances by the Sherdils Squadron with their K-8 Karakoram aircraft, JF-17 Thunder, and F-16 fighter jets.
The Sherdils will execute complex formations, low-altitude flights, and inverted flights, creating patterns in the sky representing the Pakistani flag. The aerobatic display will also include thrilling aerial stunts like barrel rolls, loops, and the "bomb burst" maneuver. This event is expected to be a major highlight of the ceremony, which will take place on February 19 at the National Stadium Karachi.
The Sherdil Squadron, which means "lion hearted" in Urdu, was formed in 1974 and has performed at various international air shows, including in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The squadron will be flying Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets, along with the Karakoram-8, a Pakistani-made trainer aircraft used for basic and operational jet training. This marks the first time the squadron will perform in Karachi after a five-year gap.
A specific air corridor will be closed for the flypast, and the airspace will be busy from 2:30 pm to 3 pm, including the rehearsal period from February 17 to 19. Commercial flights arriving at Karachi Airport during this time have been instructed to exercise caution and carry extra fuel as a precaution. The Champions Trophy will start with a Pakistan-New Zealand encounter on February 19.
The PAF's aerobatic display is expected to be a treat for the citizens of Karachi, and the event is highly anticipated. The combination of thrilling aerial stunts and the participation of the Sherdil Squadron will make the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 an unforgettable experience.
