A total of 231 cadets, including women who are from the first batch of women cadets of the National Defence Academy, were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) following their graduation from the Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Cadets from the NDA, who opt for the IAF, complete their service specific training at the Air Force Academy. Nine officers from the Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard and two from Vietnam were also awarded ‘Wings’ on the occasion.
Reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled the valour of the IAF in various conflicts, including during Operation Sindoor in May last year. “The IAF has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation,” the minister noted.
The minister pointed out that the IAF altered the course of the 1947-48 war in Kashmir through the Srinagar airlift and scripted history in just 13 days with decisive air strikes during the 1971 war. The Air Force’s indomitable spirit and unmatched valour were also demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in 2025, when they destroyed terror hideouts with clarity and precision. “Operation Sindoor was successfully executed not only by our indigenous platforms, but also due to the IAF’s trained, courageous, and disciplined officers”, he added.
The minister further advised the newly commissioned officers to remain vigilant to emerging challenges. “Adapt, adopt and modify the futuristic technologies and strategies to gain a decisive edge,” said Singh.
Extending special congratulations to women officers, the minister said the growing presence of ‘women power’ would further strengthen the IAF, making it more robust and balanced.
The minister also gave away awards to the selected graduating officers for their exceptional performance in various disciplines.
Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav 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 Ekta Gupta was awarded the ‘President’s Plaque’ for standing first in the overall order of merit in the navigation stream. Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh was awarded the ‘President’s Plaque’ for standing first in the overall order of merit in the ground duty branches.
