In a proud display of discipline and achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) held a grand valedictory function at Air Force Station Begumpet on May 31 to commemorate the successful completion of three premier training programs: the 108th Advance Navigation Course (ANC), the 140th Ab-Initio Navigation Course, and the Weapon Systems Ab-Initio Stage-II Course.
The ceremony, hosted at the esteemed Navigation Training School (NTS) and Weapon Systems School (WSS), symbolized a significant milestone in the careers of young IAF officers and cadets. Dressed in pristine white uniforms, the graduating batch stood tall alongside senior officers and instructors, celebrating the culmination of months of rigorous academic and practical training.
Top performers were felicitated with trophies and awards, prominently displayed against a dignified backdrop bearing the IAF emblem and the words “Valedictory Function.” The event reflected the force’s enduring commitment to excellence, professionalism, and technological advancement in aviation and warfare.
The Navigation Training School, affectionately known as ‘TERNS,’ carries a legacy that dates back to 1946 when it was established as the Air Navigation School at the Royal Indian Air Force Station, Tambaram. The institution shifted to Begumpet in 1967 and has since been instrumental in shaping generations of navigators for the IAF. In March 2024, NTS celebrated its Platinum Jubilee, marked by seminars, air displays, and the release of a commemorative ‘Special Cover’ by Air Marshal R. Radhish, as noted by The Hindu.
The Weapon Systems School, another pillar of advanced IAF training, was inaugurated in recent years by the Chief of the Air Staff. The school is dedicated to equipping officers with the skills required to operate sophisticated weapon systems, keeping pace with the dynamic nature of modern aerial warfare.
The 2025 valedictory function continued a tradition of excellence at Begumpet, reminiscent of the 2021 ceremony for the 101st ANC and 133rd Ab-Initio Navigation Course, which was held under strict pandemic protocols. In previous years, trainees from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations have also participated in these elite courses, reflecting the inclusive and strategic scope of IAF’s training.
This event comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is reinforcing its capabilities to counter evolving regional security challenges. With its motto “Touch The Sky With Glory,” the IAF remains steadfast in its mission to defend India’s airspace while investing in the future through world-class training programs.
The graduates of the 108th ANC, 140th Ab-Initio Navigation, and Weapon Systems Stage-II Course now join the ranks of the IAF’s operational cadre, ready to contribute to national security with precision, valor, and technological proficiency.
