Raksha Mantri reviews Combined Graduation Parade

A total of 231 Flight Cadets (194 men & 37 women), including the first batch of women from the National Defence Academy, were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) following their graduation from the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad on June 13, 2026.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of 217 Course, and awarded the ‘President’s Commission’ to the graduating cadets, marking the culmination of the pre-commissioning training of the cadets for the Flying and Ground Duty branches of IAF.

Nine (09) officers from the Indian Navy, 03 from the Indian Coast Guard and 02 from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded ‘Wings’ on the occasion. ‘Brevets’ were given to 03 officers upon the completion of their navigation training.

Congratulating the graduating cadets, Raksha Mantri stated that they are joining a service which has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation. “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.

Extending special congratulations to women officers, Raksha Mantri stated that the growing presence of Nari Shakti will further strengthen IAF, making it more robust and balanced. “This demonstrates the strength of our inclusive force,” he said. He also wished success to the graduating Vietnamese cadets in their future endeavours, exuding confidence that their training will bolster the friendship between the two countries. (UPDATED ON 13TH JUNE 2026)