193 flight cadets commissioned into IAF

This includes 40 women cadets

After successful completion of basic and professional training, 193 flight cadets including 41 women were commissioned as young flying officers into the Indian Air Force.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha was the reviewing officer at the parade held on Saturday at Air Force Academy, Dundigal. He awarded commission to all graduating flight cadets on behalf of the President of India. The parade marked the culmination of their one-year rigorous training in different branches of Indian Air Force at Air Force Academy, Dundigal; Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore; Air Force Station, Hakimpet; Air Force Station, Yelahanka and Air Force Station, Begumpet.

The CAS emphasised the importance of the core values of the IAF Mission, integrity and excellence and advised them to be an inspiration to younger generation through selfless service and devotion to duty.

Flying officer Anil Kumar of flying branch, who stood first in the overall order of merit, was awarded the President’s Plaque and The Sword of Honour. Flying officer Synthil Satish Kumar was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit in the navigation branch and flying officer Durgesh Kumar Singh was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit in the ground duties branches.

On his arrival on Friday, the Air Chief Marshal was presented with a Guard of Honour. He later paid homage to the AFA martyrs at the academy memorial. Later in the evening, the CAS interacted with flight cadets and their parents and distributed trophies and medals to those who topped.