Indian Air Force Academy Hosts Combined Graduation Parade
The Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad, held the prestigious Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) on Saturday. This event celebrated the completion of rigorous pre-commissioning training for 204 flight cadets. Among them were 178 men and 26 women, all of whom were granted the President’s Commission by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
A historic moment unfolded during the parade as it marked the commissioning of the first batch of officers in the newly established Weapon Systems branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In addition to this, nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign nation received their ‘Wings’ after successfully completing their flying training.
Recognition was given to standout performers at the ceremony. Flying Officer Parag Dhankar, from the Flying branch, earned the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for achieving the highest overall order of merit in the pilots’ course. Flying Officer Ram Prasad Gurjar, from the Ground Duty branch, was also awarded the President’s Plaque for his exceptional achievements.
The event was further highlighted by an impressive flypast featuring four types of trainer aircraft: Pilatus PC-7 MkII, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak. The grand finale included a thrilling aerial display by a PC-7 MKII, an SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft, and synchronized aerobatics performed by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
This memorable commissioning ceremony, attended by dignitaries and proud families, symbolized a significant milestone for the newly commissioned officers. It marked the beginning of their honorable journey in serving the nation with distinction.
