Hyderabad, June 13: A total of 231 Flight Cadets, including the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) following the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, on Saturday.
The parade was reviewed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who awarded the President’s Commission to the graduating cadets, marking the completion of their pre-commissioning training for the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the IAF.
The newly commissioned officers comprised 194 men and 37 women. The ceremony also saw the award of flying wings to nine officers of the Indian Navy, three officers of the Indian Coast Guard and two officers from Vietnam. Three officers were awarded brevets after completing navigation training.
Addressing the graduating officers, Rajnath Singh urged them to remain vigilant in the face of evolving security challenges and adapt to changing warfare technologies and strategies. He said modern warfare increasingly relies on systems such as drones, satellites, sensors, robotics and cyber capabilities, requiring armed forces personnel to remain alert and prepared for emerging threats.
The Defence Minister said the Indian Air Force has consistently played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation, citing its contributions during the 1947-48 conflict in Kashmir, the 1971 war and recent counter-terror operations. He stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation and professional excellence in maintaining operational readiness.
Congratulating the women officers, Singh said their growing participation would further strengthen the Indian Air Force and enhance the inclusivity of the armed forces.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to officers for outstanding performance during training. Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for securing first position in the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Ekta Gupta was awarded the President’s Plaque for topping the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh received the President’s Plaque for securing first position among Ground Duty branches.
The parade featured a march past, a flypast involving Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak aircraft, and aerial displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Shakti Women Air Warrior Drill Team, the Sarang helicopter display team, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Su-30 MKI aircraft.
The commissioning ceremony marked the beginning of service careers for the newly inducted officers, who took an oath to uphold the sovereignty, integrity and honour of the nation. (PIB)
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