Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal and awarded the President’s Commission to 231 Flight Cadets, including the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), who were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The newly commissioned officers comprise 194 men and 37 women and have 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 Wings, while three officers received Brevets after completing navigation training.
Addressing the graduating officers, Rajnath Singh said they were joining a force that has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation. Referring to the IAF’s role in the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict, the 1971 war and Operation Sindoor in 2025, he said the force had repeatedly demonstrated courage, precision and professionalism in safeguarding the country’s interests.
The Defence Minister called on the newly commissioned officers to remain vigilant in the face of evolving security challenges and adapt to the changing nature of warfare. He noted that modern conflicts increasingly involve technologies such as drones, satellites, sensors, robotics and advanced surveillance systems, making it difficult to identify adversaries and their weapons.
He urged the officers to understand, adopt and, where necessary, modify emerging technologies and warfare strategies to gain a decisive advantage. Every conflict, he said, offers valuable lessons, and success in the future would depend on a combination of hard work, innovation and technological excellence.
Rajnath Singh also emphasised the importance of continuous learning and training, telling the officers that the wings they wear symbolise the trust of every Indian citizen. He said military leaders would often be required to take critical decisions within seconds and must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct.
Congratulating the women officers, including the first batch of women NDA entrants commissioned into the IAF, the Defence Minister said the growing presence of women in the force would make it stronger, more balanced and more inclusive.
He also praised the IAF’s contribution to humanitarian assistance and rescue operations in India and abroad, describing it as a reflection of India’s ethos of helping humanity beyond national boundaries.
The parade featured a march past, a flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Shakti Woman Air Warrior Drill Team, the Sarang helicopter display team, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Su-30 MKI aircraft.
Among the award winners, Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the 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 received the President’s Plaque for topping the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in the Ground Duty branches.
The commissioning ceremony marked the formal induction of the officers into the Indian Air Force, where they took an oath to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of the nation.
