Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad, where 231 Flight Cadets were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The graduating batch comprised 194 men and 37 women, including the first batch of women cadets inducted through the National Defence Academy (NDA). The Defence Minister awarded the President’s Commission to the newly commissioned officers, marking the successful completion of their pre-commissioning training in the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the IAF.
In addition, nine officers from the Indian Navy, three officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and two officers from Vietnam were awarded Wings, while three officers received Brevets on completion of their navigation training.
Addressing the graduating officers, the Defence Minister highlighted the Indian Air Force’s distinguished operational legacy, from the Srinagar airlift during the 1947–48 conflict in Jammu and Kashmir to the decisive air operations during the 1971 war. He also commended the IAF’s role in Operation Sindoor in 2025, noting that the successful precision strikes reflected the professionalism, training, and courage of its personnel, alongside the effective use of indigenous platforms.
Emphasising the evolving nature of warfare, Rajnath Singh urged the newly commissioned officers to remain vigilant and adapt to emerging security challenges. He observed that modern conflicts increasingly involve advanced technologies such as drones, satellites, sensors, robotics, and cyber capabilities, often making adversaries and their weapons difficult to detect.
He called upon the officers to continuously innovate, embrace technological advancements, and remain prepared for future battlefields. Stressing the importance of lifelong learning and professional excellence, he reminded them that the wings they wear symbolise the trust and confidence of the nation.
The Defence Minister also congratulated the women officers, stating that the increasing participation of women in the armed forces reflects the strength of an inclusive military and will further enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF. He extended his best wishes to the Vietnamese officers and expressed confidence that their training in India would strengthen bilateral defence ties.
The parade featured a General Salute, a ceremonial march past, and a synchronised flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. The aerial display included Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft.
Among the award recipients, Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the President’s Plaque and the prestigious 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 standing first in the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh received the President’s Plaque for topping the Ground Duty branches.
The event also featured displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Shakti Women Air Warrior Drill Team, followed by aerobatic performances by the Su-30MKI, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
Senior IAF leadership, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal S Shrinivas, and Commandant, Air Force Academy, Air Marshal Rahul Bhasin, attended the ceremony.
The commissioning ceremony marked the beginning of the officers’ military careers as they took an oath to uphold the sovereignty, integrity, and honour of the nation, in the presence of their families and loved ones.
