The Indian Air Force Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 216th Course was held at the Air Force Academy today and was reviewed by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. The ceremonial parade marked the commissioning of 244 Flight Cadets, including 29 women cadets, into the Indian Air Force.
In addition to IAF officers, the ceremony also saw six officers of the Indian Navy, eight officers of the Indian Coast Guard and two officers from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam being awarded the prestigious Aviators Wings, underscoring the Academy’s role in fostering jointness and international military cooperation.
In a historic first, the Chief of the Air Staff led the three-aircraft ‘Kiran’ formation flypast during the parade, adding exceptional significance to the occasion. The moment proved deeply inspiring for the newly commissioned officers, as the highest leadership of the Indian Air Force marked their ‘Pratham Pag’ with a powerful display of leadership and tradition.
The parade concluded with a spectacular aerial display by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, showcasing the professionalism, precision and operational excellence of the Indian Air Force.
Trophy Winners – CGP Autumn Term 2025:
• President’s Plaque and Nawanagar Sword of Honour for First in Overall Order of Merit (Pilot Course): Fg Offr Tanishk Aggarwal
• President’s Plaque for First in Order of Merit (Navigation Stream): Fg Offr Saksham Dobriyal
• President’s Plaque for First in Overall Order of Merit (Ground Duty Officers Course): Fg Offr Nitesh Kumar
• NC Suri Trophy for First in Flying (Pilot Course): Fg Offr Harsh Pathak
• PV Naik Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Weapon Systems Branch): Fg Offr Hima KH
• SP Tyagi Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Administration Branch): Fg Offr Nitesh Kumar
• S Krishnaswamy Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Logistics Branch): Fg Offr Sanjay Halemani
• AY Tipnis Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Accounts Branch): Fg Offr Shalini Chaudhary
• SK Sareen Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Education Branch): Fg Offr Vidhi Jain
• SK Kaul Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Meteorology Branch): Fg Offr Hitesh Manhas
• FH Major Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Pilot Course – Helicopter Stream): Fg Offr Harsh
• NAK Browne Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Pilot Course – Transport Stream): Fg Offr Tanishk Aggarwal
• Dasgupta Trophy for First in Order of Merit (Pilot Course – Fighter Stream): Fg Offr Saran P
The Combined Graduation Parade reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s commitment to producing highly skilled, motivated and future-ready officers, prepared to meet the evolving challenges of air and joint warfare with professionalism and honour.
