NE DEFENCE BUREAU
HYDERABAD, JUNE 13
Calling upon the next generation of Indian Air Force officers to remain alert in an era of rapidly evolving warfare, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged graduating cadets to “remain constantly vigilant to emerging challenges and re-calibrate responses as the situation demands” while embracing futuristic technologies to gain a decisive edge on the battlefield.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade at the Airforce Academy in Hyderabad. https://t.co/5wIdFbetNE
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 13, 2026
Reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, the Defence Minister awarded the President’s Commission to 231 Flight Cadets — 194 men and 37 women — including the first-ever batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy to be commissioned into the Indian Air Force.
- Defence Minister commissions 231 Flight Cadets, including first batch of women NDA entrants, at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad
- Urges young officers to master futuristic warfare technologies, adapt rapidly to evolving battlefields and stay battle-ready
- Says Indian Air Force has repeatedly proved itself as both the nation’s shield and sword, from Kashmir airlift to Operation Sindoor
- Highlights cyber warfare, drones, satellites and robotics as defining features of modern conflict requiring constant vigilance
- Growing Nari Shakti will make the Indian Air Force stronger, more balanced and future-ready, says Rajnath Singh
The ceremony marked the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for officers of 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 coveted ‘Wings’, while three officers received ‘Brevets’ after completing navigation training.
Congratulating the graduating officers, Rajnath Singh said they were joining a force that has consistently safeguarded India’s sovereignty with unmatched courage and professionalism.
“IAF altered the course of the 1947-48 war in Kashmir through the Srinagar airlift and scripted history in just 13 days with decisive air strikes during the 1971 war. Their indomitable spirit and unmatched valour were demonstrated during 2025 Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror hideouts with clarity and precision. The operation was successfully executed not only by our indigenous platforms, but also due to IAF’s trained, courageous, and disciplined officers. I am confident that it will continue to play a pivotal role in future operations as well.”
The Defence Minister cautioned the young officers that modern warfare has transformed dramatically, making conventional definitions of combat obsolete.
“Warfare traditionally involves two vectors: the soldier and their equipment. However, in modern warfare, neither the adversary is often visible nor the weapon being used. Systems such as radars, satellites, drones, sensors and robotics make it impossible to detect the combatant or their machinery. There are scenarios where adversaries’ traffic systems and even CCTV networks are being compromised and controlled. Your training programmes and exercises have prepared you well to face uncertainties and unexpected challenges. You must always stay alert.”
Emphasising technological superiority as the defining factor in future conflicts, Rajnath Singh urged the officers to embrace innovation and strategic adaptability.
“You must understand, adapt, adopt and when necessary modify futuristic warfare systems and strategies. Every conflict serves as a learning opportunity. You must combine hard work with smart work and brilliance. In the present era, smart nations are carving out a significant place for themselves in the field of technology. It was earlier believed that major powers hold a decisive edge on every front, but today even comparatively smaller powers inflict massive damage on large platforms using compact yet lethal weapons and novel tactics.”
The Defence Minister also reminded the officers that the wings they now wear symbolise the trust of every Indian citizen and carry immense responsibility.
“The responsibility you are about to shoulder is inherently so complex that you will often have to make decisions not in minutes, but in seconds or even less. You must consistently uphold such high standards of professionalism and conduct that inspire others.”
Extending special congratulations to the newly commissioned women officers, Rajnath Singh said their increasing participation would further enhance the operational strength of the Indian Air Force.
“Growing Nari Shakti will further strengthen IAF, making it more robust and balanced. This demonstrates the strength of our inclusive force.”
He also conveyed his best wishes to the Vietnamese officers, expressing confidence that their training in India would deepen bilateral defence cooperation and friendship.
The Defence Minister lauded the Indian Air Force for its role in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations both within the country and overseas, describing it as a reflection of India’s enduring ethos of serving humanity beyond borders.
Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh inspired the graduating officers with a larger national vision.
“It is often said that ‘the sky is the limit’. It certainly holds true for IAF, but you must move forward with the vision of ‘the sky is our home’. This very vision will help in making us Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
The ceremonial parade featured a General Salute, a precision march past and a synchronised flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, showcasing Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak trainer aircraft.
The newly commissioned officers marched out to martial tunes before receiving their first salute from their junior cadets, marking the beginning of their military careers.
Recognising excellence in training, Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the prestigious 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 won the President’s Plaque for topping the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh secured the President’s Plaque for standing first among the Ground Duty branches.
The ceremony concluded with spectacular displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Shakti Woman Air Warrior Drill Team, a Su-30 MKI aerobatic demonstration, the Sarang helicopter display team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, providing a fitting finale to one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant commissioning events.
