The first batch of five women National Defence Academy (NDA) entrants were among 231 flight cadets commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday. The ceremony took place at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Commissioning Ceremony Highlights
The 231 cadets included 194 men and 37 women. Nine officers from the Indian Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard, and two from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded 'Wings' on the occasion. 'Brevets' were also given to three officers upon completion of their navigation training.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course and awarded the 'President's Commission' to the graduating cadets. He advised them to adapt when necessary in war-like situations and to innovate while executing to gain an edge.
Nari Shakti in IAF
Extending special congratulations to the women officers, Singh said the growing presence of Nari Shakti will further strengthen the IAF, making it more robust and balanced. "This demonstrates the strength of our inclusive force," he remarked.
He also wished success to the graduating Vietnamese cadets, expressing confidence that their training will bolster the friendship between the two nations.
IAF's Historical Role
Singh noted that the officers are joining a service that has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation. He highlighted the IAF's role in altering the course of the 1947-48 war in Kashmir through the Srinagar airlift and its decisive air strikes during the 1971 war. He also praised the IAF's performance during the 2025 Operation Sindoor, when terror hideouts were destroyed with clarity and precision.
"The operation was successfully executed not only by our indigenous platforms but also due to the IAF's trained, courageous, and disciplined officers. I am confident that it will continue to play a pivotal role in future operations," he said.
Need for Innovation
The minister stressed the need to innovate, execute, and gain a decisive edge on all fronts. "Every conflict serves as a learning opportunity. You must combine hard work with smart work and brilliance. In the present era, smart nations are carving out a significant place for themselves in the field of technology," he said.
He urged the officers to never cease learning and training, emphasizing that the 'wings' on their shoulders are a symbol of trust from every Indian. "The responsibility you are about to shoulder is inherently so complex that you will often have to make decisions not in minutes, but in seconds or even less. You must consistently uphold such high standards of professionalism and conduct that inspire others," he added.
Vision for Viksit Bharat
Singh concluded by saying, "It is often said that 'the sky's the limit'. It certainly holds true for the IAF, but you must move forward with the vision of 'the sky is our home'. This very vision will help in making us Viksit Bharat by 2047."
