The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad on 13 December 2025. It marked the successful culmination of pre-commissioning training of the Flight Cadets of Flying and Ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF). General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was the Reviewing Officer (RO) of the parade and conferred the President's Commission to the graduating Flight Cadets of 216 Course. A total of 244 Flight Cadets, including 215 male and 29 female cadets, graduated on this day.

The CDS was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant, AFA. The RO was presented with a General Salute by the parade followed by an impressive march past.

On this occasion, six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard and two trainees from Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded 'Wings' on successful completion of flying training. 'Brevets' were given to five officers on completing their Navigation training. Proud family members of the graduating officers were present to witness the ceremony.

The highlight of the parade was the 'Commissioning Ceremony' in which the graduating cadets were commissioned as Flying Officers by the RO. An oath was administered to the graduating officers, where they pledged to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of the country. The graduation parade was interspersed with a well-coordinated and synchronized flypast by Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft. A thrilling display by the Akash Ganga team and Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) left the audience mesmerised.

In recognition of their exceptional performance across various training disciplines, the RO awarded Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal from the Flying branch with 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 was awarded the 'President's Plaque' for standing first in the overall order of merit in Navigation stream. 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 RO commended the newly commissioned officers for their immaculate turnout, meticulous drill movements and adherence to the highest standards of parade. The RO congratulated the graduating officers for joining the profession of arms and for serving the motherland. He urged the officers to stay away from arrogance and ignorance and to stay steady in matters of principle.

He also emphasized on creating and sustaining asymmetry for winning a war which is far easier to generate in the emerging domains. He underscored technology as a decisive factor and hence we need to pursue AI driven data fusion, man - unmanned teaming, autonomous and unmanned systems and cognitive domain operations.

He further added that Op Sindoor which is a testimony to unparalleled professionalism of IAF is a continuum which needs to be guided by JAI. Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation is what JAI stands for and will shape the future of India's combat power. He concluded by encouraging the officers to serve boldly and lead fearlessly.

The parade culminated as the newly commissioned officers slow marched in two columns to the resonant notes of martial marching tunes, and with a special emotive moment as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singhflew and lead a three aircraft Kiran formation above them while the first was salute given to them by their immediate juniors.

A captivating synchronous flying display by the Sarang helicopter display team and Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) formed part of the grand finale of the CGP.

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VK/JS/SM