Hyderabad: A total of 231 Flight Cadets, including the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy, were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course held at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reviewed the grand parade and awarded the President’s Commission to the graduating cadets, marking the successful completion of their pre-commissioning training for the Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Among the commissioned officers were 194 men and 37 women cadets. The occasion also witnessed the induction of officers from sister services and friendly foreign forces, including nine from the Indian Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard, and two officers from Vietnam. Three officers were also conferred “Brevets” after completing navigation training.
Addressing the cadets, the Raksha Mantri described the Indian Air Force as a force that has consistently acted as both a shield and a sword for the nation. Recalling its operational legacy, he cited the 1947–48 Kashmir airlift, the 1971 war, and recent operations such as Operation Sindoor in 2025, highlighting the force’s precision, courage, and technological strength.
He urged the graduating officers to remain alert to emerging and invisible threats in modern warfare, where adversaries increasingly rely on cyber systems, drones, satellites, and automated networks. He emphasized the need for constant vigilance and adaptability, stating that future conflicts would demand rapid decision-making and advanced technological understanding.
Calling for innovation and continuous learning, Shri Singh encouraged the cadets to “adapt, adopt and modify” futuristic warfare systems to maintain a decisive edge. He noted that modern military strength is no longer defined only by scale but by smart technologies and strategic ingenuity.
Highlighting the growing role of women in uniform, he said that the increasing presence of Nari Shakti in the Air Force will make the institution more balanced, inclusive, and stronger. He also congratulated the foreign cadets, expressing confidence that their training in India would further strengthen international ties.
The parade featured a synchronized march past, flypast by trainer aircraft including Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak, and spectacular aerial displays by the Su-30 MKI, Sarang helicopter team, and Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and senior IAF officials were also present.
Top honours were awarded to outstanding cadets. Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the President’s Plaque and Nawanagar Sword of Honour for topping the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Ekta Gupta was awarded for excellence in Navigation, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh topped the Ground Duty branch.
The ceremony concluded with the newly commissioned officers taking their oath to uphold the sovereignty and honour of the nation, marking the beginning of their professional journey in the service of India.
