Hyderabad: A total of 254 flight cadets were commissioned as officers into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday at the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, officiated as Reviewing Officer and administered the commissioning oath. Cadets from both Flying and Ground Duty branches completed their pre-commissioning training.
Nine Indian Navy officers, seven Indian Coast Guard officers, and one foreign trainee also received flying ‘Wings’ during the ceremony.
The event featured fly-pasts by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran Mk-1, and Chetak aircraft. The Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Air Warrior Drill Team, and Suryakiran aerobatic team performed during the parade.
The President’s Plaque and Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for best performance in the Pilots’ course went to Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti. Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid received the President’s Plaque for topping the Ground Duty course.
Air Chief Marshal Singh addressed the officers, praising their turnout and drill standards. He stressed the evolving nature of warfare and the strategic importance of aerospace power. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he called it evidence of the IAF’s capability to act with precision and resolve.
He urged the new officers to uphold the trust placed in them and remain committed to constant learning, innovation, and professionalism as they advance into a rapidly transforming battlespace.
The event concluded with the newly commissioned officers marching out to martial music as families looked on.