The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held with full military splendour at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad, on 13 December 2025, marking the successful culmination of pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets from the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF). General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), reviewed the parade and conferred the President’s Commission upon the graduating Flight Cadets of the 216 Course.
A total of 244 Flight Cadets, including 215 male and 29 female cadets, were commissioned as Flying Officers on this historic day. The CDS was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant, Air Force Academy. The Reviewing Officer was presented with a General Salute, followed by an impressive and precisely executed march past.
On this occasion, six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded ‘Wings’ on the successful completion of their flying training. ‘Brevets’ were presented to five officers on completing their Navigation training. Proud family members of the graduating officers witnessed the ceremony, sharing in the moment of pride and achievement.
The highlight of the parade was the Commissioning Ceremony, during which the graduating cadets were formally commissioned as Flying Officers. The oath of allegiance was administered, with the young officers pledging to uphold the sovereignty, unity, and honour of the nation. The parade was interspersed with a spectacular and well-coordinated flypast by Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft. A breathtaking display by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) further captivated the audience.
In recognition of outstanding performance across all training disciplines, Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal from the Flying Branch was awarded the coveted President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Saksham Dobriyal received the President’s Plaque for securing first position in the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Nitesh Kumar was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Ground Duty branches.
Addressing the parade, the Chief of Defence Staff commended the newly commissioned officers for their immaculate turnout, precision drill, and adherence to the highest standards of military discipline. He congratulated them on joining the profession of arms and reminded them of the honour and responsibility that comes with serving the nation. He urged the officers to remain humble, principled, and steadfast, cautioning them against arrogance and ignorance.
The CDS emphasised the importance of creating and sustaining asymmetry in modern warfare, particularly through emerging domains. Highlighting technology as a decisive factor, he stressed the need to pursue AI-driven data fusion, man-unmanned teaming, autonomous and unmanned systems, and cognitive domain operations. Referring to Op Sindoor as a testament to the Indian Air Force’s unparalleled professionalism, he described it as a continuum guided by the ethos of JAI — Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation — which will shape the future of India’s combat power.
The parade culminated in an emotive closing ceremony as the newly commissioned officers slow-marched in two columns to resonant martial tunes. In a memorable moment, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew and led a three-aircraft Kiran formation overhead, rendering the first salute to the young officers as their immediate juniors looked on with pride.
The grand finale featured a captivating synchronous flying display by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), bringing the Combined Graduation Parade 2025 to a spectacular close and marking the beginning of a distinguished journey for the newest officers of the Indian Air Force.
