- A total of 254 Flight Cadets graduate at The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy
- 09 officers from the Indian Navy, 07 officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and one trainee from a friendly foreign country, get ‘Wings’ on successful completion of flying training
- Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti from the Flying branch was awarded the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Pilots’ course
NE NEWS SERVICE
HYDERABAD, JUNE 14
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), on Saturday said Operation Sindoor showcased exceptional coordination, synergy, and integration within the armed forces.
“Operation Sindoor stands as a shining testament to the unparallelled prowess of the Indian Air Force, wherein we demonstrated our capability to deliver swift, precise, and decisive blows to the enemy,” he said.
The IAF Chief, who reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of 215 courses at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, said the IAF has been and will always remain the first responder.
Stating that the battlefield is going to be more complex, Singh said the young officers must continuously train and retrain to succeed in future conflicts.
Congratulating the graduating officers, he said, “When you chose to serve the nation, you opted for a career that is not only demanding, but also among the most rewarding and honourable. As we look to the future, two things are certain — the fast-evolving character of warfare and the increasing relevance of aerospace power.”
The CAS underscored the collective responsibility entrusted to the officers, stating, “It is our solemn duty to live up to the trust that every Indian places in the Indian Air Force. Today’s ceremony marks the culmination of years of rigorous training and perseverance, but it is only the beginning of your professional journey. You must continuously strive to expand your horizons and discover new capabilities.”
He concluded by emphasizing the path ahead, “The battlespace of the future will be increasingly complex. With the IAF transforming into a true aerospace force, many of you will be at the forefront of India’s ventures into space. These challenges will demand total commitment, relentless focus, innovation, and a deep passion for your calling. The uniform you wear is a symbol of national pride — wear it with honour, lead with courage, and always uphold the core values of the Indian Air Force.”
The Reviewing Officer (RO) conferred the President’s Commission to the graduating Flight Cadets. A total of 254 Flight Cadets graduated today, which included men and women.
The CAS was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant, AFA. The RO was presented with General Salute by the parade, followed by an impressive march past.
On this occasion, 09 officers from the Indian Navy, 07 officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and one trainee from a friendly foreign country, were also awarded ‘Wings’ on successful completion of flying training. The ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries as well as the proud family members of the graduating officers.
The highlight of the parade was the ‘Commissioning Ceremony’ in which the graduating cadets were commissioned as Flying Officers by the RO. An Oath was administered to the graduating officers by the Commandant of the Academy, where they pledged to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of the country. The event also included thrilling displays by the Akash Ganga team, the Air Warrior Drill Team, and synchronized aerobatics by the Suryakiran aerobatic team. The graduation parade was interspersed with well-coordinated and synchronized fly-pasts by trainer aircraft that included the Pilatus PC-7 MklI, Hawk, Kiran Mk-1 and Chetak.
In recognition of their exceptional performance across various training disciplines, the RO felicitated the graduating officers. Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti from the Flying branch was awarded the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Pilots’ course. Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid was awarded the President’s Plaque for being first in the overall order of merit in the Ground duty branches.
Addressing the parade, the RO commended the newly commissioned officers for their immaculate turn out, precise drill movements and adherence to the highest standards of parade.
