244 Flight Cadets Commissioned into Indian Air Force at Grand Combined Graduation Parade
The CDS was warmly received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant of the AFA. The parade commenced with a resounding General Salute, followed by an impeccable march past that showcased the cadets’ discipline and synchronicity.
A highlight of international cooperation was the awarding of ‘Wings’ to six officers from the Indian Navy, eight from the Indian Coast Guard, and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam upon completing their flying training. Additionally, ‘Brevets’ were presented to five officers for excellence in Navigation training. Proud family members filled the stands, witnessing these milestones with tears of joy and applause.
The pinnacle of the event was the solemn Commissioning Ceremony, where the RO commissioned the cadets as Flying Officers. They took a sacred oath, pledging unwavering commitment to safeguard India’s sovereignty and honour. The atmosphere soared with a meticulously coordinated flypast featuring Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft, painting the skies in perfect formations.
The audience was left spellbound by breathtaking displays from the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT), demonstrating daring precision and teamwork that embody the IAF’s ethos.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, the CDS presented top honours:
- Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal (Flying Branch) received the coveted President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for topping the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course.
- Flying Officer Saksham Dobriyal earned the President’s Plaque for excelling in the Navigation stream.
- Flying Officer Nitesh Kumar was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in the Ground Duty branches.
Addressing the parade, General Chauhan praised the newly commissioned officers for their immaculate turnout, meticulous drill movements, and adherence to the highest standards. He congratulated them on embracing the noble profession of arms and serving the nation.
The CDS urged the young officers to shun arrogance and ignorance while remaining steadfast in principles. He emphasized the importance of creating and sustaining asymmetry in warfare, particularly in emerging domains where it is easier to achieve dominance.
“Technology will be a decisive factor,” he stated, highlighting the need to pursue AI-driven data fusion, man-unmanned teaming, autonomous systems, and operations in the cognitive domain.
Referencing recent operations, General Chauhan described ‘Op Sindoor’ as a testament to the IAF’s unparalleled professionalism – a continuum that must be guided by ‘JAI’: Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation. These pillars, he said, will shape India’s future combat power.
He encouraged the officers to serve boldly and lead fearlessly, inspiring them to uphold the IAF’s glorious legacy.
The parade concluded on an emotive high as the newly commissioned officers slow-marched in two columns to the stirring notes of martial tunes. In a special gesture, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led a three-aircraft Kiran formation flypast overhead, while their immediate juniors offered the first salute – a poignant tradition symbolizing the passing of the torch.
As these young warriors step into their roles defending India’s skies, the ceremony reaffirmed the IAF’s readiness to meet future challenges with innovation, integration, and indomitable spirit.
