The Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal witnessed the grand spectacle of the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) on 14 June 2025, marking the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for 254 Flight Cadets of the Indian Air Force. This included both Flying and Ground Duty branches, encompassing a new generation of commissioned officers dedicated to defending India’s skies.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), presided over the ceremony as the Reviewing Officer (RO) and conferred the President’s Commission on the graduating cadets, officially inducting them as Flying Officers of the IAF.
The Reviewing Officer was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant of AFA. The event began with the General Salute presented to the CAS, followed by a perfectly synchronised and crisp march past by the cadets on parade.
Adding to the occasion, 09 officers from the Indian Navy, 07 from the Indian Coast Guard, and one foreign trainee from a friendly nation were also awarded ‘Wings’ on successfully completing their flying training. The event was graced by dignitaries and the proud families of the graduating cadets.
Highlights of the Event
- Commissioning Ceremony: The central highlight, where cadets officially became Flying Officers after taking an oath to safeguard India’s sovereignty and uphold the values of the service.
- Award Winners:
- Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti (Flying Branch) received the President’s Plaque and Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for topping the pilots’ course.
- Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid (Admin Branch) was awarded the President’s Plaque for securing first position in the Ground Duty branches.
- Air Displays:
- Enthralling performances by the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team, Air Warrior Drill Team, and Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.
- Spectacular fly-pasts by Pilatus PC-7 MkII, Hawk, Kiran Mk-1, and Chetak helicopters.
Address by the Chief of Air Staff
In his stirring address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh lauded the cadets’ discipline, turn out, and commitment to excellence.
“When you chose to serve the nation, you opted for a career that is not only demanding but also among the most honourable,” he remarked.
“Operation Sindoor stands as a shining testament to the professionalism of the Indian Air Force. As the future of the IAF, you must understand that we have always been the first responders in times of national crisis.”
He encouraged the officers to embrace emerging challenges in modern warfare, emphasizing the growing role of aerospace power and the IAF’s transformation into a true aerospace force. He concluded with a call to uphold the core values of the Indian Air Force — Mission, Integrity, and Excellence.
A Day to Remember
As the ceremonial tunes echoed across the parade ground, the newly commissioned officers marched off in two proud columns — marking the start of their professional journey in the Indian Air Force. For these young men and women, the CGP was more than a ceremony — it was a defining moment, symbolizing honour, duty, and a lifelong commitment to the nation.
