Hyderabad, June 13 (RAHNUMA): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, and commissioned 231 Flight Cadets as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF), including the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The graduating batch comprised 194 men and 37 women who completed pre-commissioning training for the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the IAF. Nine officers from the Indian Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard, and two officers from Vietnam were also awarded their wings during the ceremony.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Rajnath Singh described the IAF as both the nation’s “shield and sword”, recalling its decisive role in the 1947-48 Kashmir operations, the 1971 war, and the 2025 Operation Sindoor. He said the Air Force’s precision strikes and professionalism continue to strengthen India’s security architecture.
The Defence Minister urged the officers to stay prepared for evolving warfare challenges, highlighting the growing role of drones, satellites, robotics, sensors and cyber technologies in modern conflicts. He stressed the need for continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability to maintain a strategic edge.
Congratulating the women officers, Singh said the increasing participation of women would make the Air Force stronger, more balanced and more inclusive. He also extended his best wishes to the Vietnamese cadets, expressing confidence that their training would further deepen India-Vietnam ties.
The parade featured an impressive flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, showcasing Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak trainer aircraft. Spectacular performances 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 fighters enthralled the audience.
Among the award winners, Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the prestigious “President’s Plaque” and “Nawanagar Sword of Honour” for securing first position in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Ekta Gupta topped the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh secured first place among the Ground Duty branches.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the officers’ service careers as they took the oath to safeguard the sovereignty, integrity, and honour of the nation. The commissioning ceremony holds immense significance for the graduating officers as they are conferred the President’s Commission in the presence of their proud parents and family members.
