The prestigious Air Force Technical College (AFTC) in Bangalore witnessed the grand Passing Out Parade of the 102 Aeronautical Engineering Course Officers. The event, held on June 1, 2024, saw the graduation of 60 Engineering Officers, including 20 women. Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command, officiated the ceremony as the Reviewing Officer.
In his address, Air Marshal Dharkar emphasized the importance of operational readiness, urging the newly graduated officers to embrace innovation and stay updated with the latest technological advancements. He encouraged them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to tackle maintenance challenges, ensuring the high availability and reliability of assets.
The ceremony was marked by a spectacular flypast of Dornier aircraft, which captivated the audience. A thrilling skydiving demonstration by the ‘Air Devils’ team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) further electrified the spectators. The ‘Air Warrior Drill Team’ (AWDT) delivered an enthralling performance, leaving the audience spellbound.
The Air Force Technical College, located in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a premier training institute of the Indian Air Force. Established on July 4, 1949, as the Technical Training College (TTC) in collaboration with the Air Service Training Co. (Hamble), U.K., the institution was renamed AFTC on January 1, 1957. The college has since been the alma mater for all technical officers of the Indian Air Force.
AFTC trains graduate engineers inducted into the IAF, preparing them to maintain various aircraft, weapon systems, and support systems in operational readiness. The rigorous training aims to develop these trainees into Air Warriors, instilling qualities of military leadership and service ethos. Training at AFTC is divided into two phases: an initial 22-week program at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, followed by two 24-week terms at AFTC Bangalore.
Over the years, AFTC has trained more than 13,890 officers, including personnel from sister services, scientists from DRDO, international students, and officers from HAL. This includes 102 Army officers, 111 Naval officers, and over 419 women officers. The college was honored with the prestigious Presidential Colours by Pratibha Patil on November 12, 2008. Its crest, featuring a mechanical gear, electrical waves, and a torch bearing an eternal flame, carries the motto “Gyanen Shobhamahe,” meaning “it is knowledge through which we find pride in ourselves.”
The Passing Out Parade of the 102 Aeronautical Engineering Course Officers stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of AFTC to excellence in technical training and the grooming of future leaders of the Indian Air Force.
