logo
254 flight cadets commissioned into IAF at combined graduation parade

254 flight cadets commissioned into IAF at combined graduation parade

Hyderabad, June 14 (UNI) The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, near Hyderabad on Saturday, marking the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for 254 Flight Cadets of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including both men and women from the Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), reviewed the parade and conferred the President's Commission to the graduating cadets. He was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant of AFA.
The Reviewing Officer was presented with a General Salute, followed by a ceremonial march-past.
The occasion also saw nine officers from the Indian Navy, seven from the Indian Coast Guard, and one foreign trainee awarded their 'Wings' after completing flying training. The ceremony was witnessed by senior defence officials and proud families of the cadets.
The highlight of the event was the Commissioning Ceremony, where the cadets took an oath pledging to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of the nation.
The celebrations included aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran team, a show by the Akash Ganga skydiving team, and fly-pasts by Pilatus PC-7 MkII, Hawk, Kiran Mk-1, and Chetak aircraft.
Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti received the President's Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for topping the Pilots' course, while Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid was awarded the President's Plaque for leading the Ground Duty branches.
In his address, the Air Chief lauded the officers' discipline and professionalism. He said the IAF would continue to be the first responder in crises and urged the new officers to uphold the service's values of mission, integrity, and excellence.
He emphasised that with warfare evolving and the IAF transforming into a space-capable force, the path ahead would require total commitment and innovation.
The event concluded with the traditional march-out of the newly commissioned officers, marking the start of their journey in service to the nation with pride and honour.
UNI VV ARN PRS
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Two fighter pilots from Pune receive mention in despatches for bravery during ‘Op Sindoor'
Two fighter pilots from Pune receive mention in despatches for bravery during ‘Op Sindoor'

Time of India

time20 hours ago

  • Time of India

Two fighter pilots from Pune receive mention in despatches for bravery during ‘Op Sindoor'

Pune: Two fighter pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF) from Pune were among those recognised with a Mention in Despatches on Independence Day for their brave actions during Operation Sindoor, which took place from May 7 to May 10. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Squadron Leader Saurabh Dharmadhikari from Kasba Peth and Flight Lieutenant Akash Bibikar from Nigdi Pradhikaran are stationed at Squadron 15 of the Sirsa Air Force Station, one of the frontline air bases along the Pakistan border. Their journey into the IAF is notably similar, as both were inspired by their grandfathers, who were retired airmen. "Being part of the operation, achieving the operational tasks, and receiving this award for our efforts is a surreal experience. It is difficult to express in words," they told TOI on Saturday. Both pilots operate Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jets and are serving in a squadron known as "Flying Lancers" for their rich history of heroic actions in the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. The squadron played a crucial role in 'Balakot Operation' in 2019 and the Eastern Ladakh conflict with the Chinese in 2020. "We are proud to carry forward the rich, brave legacy of our squadron that caused significant harm to enemy positions during the previous exploits and now in Operation Sindoor, too," they added. While they did not disclose specific details about their roles in the operation, they said, "When we were engaged in action, our sole focus was on achieving the target. It took a few days to fully grasp the importance of our actions. This award will always motivate us to deliver our best." While Saurabh pursued an IT engineering degree and even passed the Common Admission Test, Akash also cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (Main), but they followed their passion over bright opportunities in the private sector. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Multiple visits to the Air Force station Pune on the Air Force Day (on Oct 8) during school days have had a great impact on me, and hence I preferred IAF over everything else," said Saurabh. Similarly, Akash said he joined NDA only to fulfil his dream of joining the fighter stream. "I made my father and grandfather, retired Corporal Madhukar, proud by joining the IAF's fighter stream and now performing my duty for the country," said Akash.

Op Sindoor: Nagpur's Group Capt Vishwas Jamkar Wins I-Day Gallantry Award For Thwarting Enemy Missiles
Op Sindoor: Nagpur's Group Capt Vishwas Jamkar Wins I-Day Gallantry Award For Thwarting Enemy Missiles

Time of India

time21 hours ago

  • Time of India

Op Sindoor: Nagpur's Group Capt Vishwas Jamkar Wins I-Day Gallantry Award For Thwarting Enemy Missiles

1 2 Nagpur: Group Captain Vishwas Jamkar, who hails from Nagpur, was awarded 'Mention in Despatches' (M-in-D) as part of gallantry awards for his exemplary contribution during ' Operation Sindoor ' on Independence Day in Delhi by the ministry of defence. Three years ago, his younger brother, Group Captain Sumedh Jamkar, had earned a gallantry award, making them a rare brother duo to achieve this feat. Group Captain Vishwas was posted at a frontline fighter base on the western border during Operation Sindoor. He was the chief operations officer of the base and utilised his assets effectively to ensure no damage was caused by any enemy aircraft or missiles to the airbase or civilian population in that sector. For his act of courage and gallantry, Group Captain Jamkar was awarded M-in-D as part of the gallantry awards announced on the eve of Independence Day. A fighter pilot, Vishwas, who flies MiG-21s and Hawks, was the chief operating officer of an air defence formation and successfully repelled attacks from the Pakistani side in May during his posting in the Suratgarh sector in North Rajasthan, 60km off the border. During Operation Sindoor, there were constant attacks from the enemy side through drones and other weapons, and his formation made the best use of air defence systems at the IAF's disposal, ensuring that not a single enemy attack was successful. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Vishwas represented Vidarbha in the U-16 and U-19 categories in cricket before joining the National Defence Academy in 1997. A fighter pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying in MiG-21s, Hawks, Kirans, and Pilatus, Vishwas was the commanding officer of a fighter squadron and participated extensively in various exercises, including Ex Gaganshakti 1 & 2. In 2022, his younger brother, Group Captain Sumedh Jamkar, received a Vayusena Medal (Gallantry). Sumedh, who flies an advanced light helicopter (ALH), took part in a crucial operation to save mountaineers stuck at a height of 17,000 feet in Uttarakhand following an avalanche. Sumedh also studied at Bhavans, Nagpur, and followed his elder brother to join NDA. The family lives in Jaiprakash Nagar. Group Captain Vishwas Jamkar is married to Suruchi Andhare Jamkar, alumnus of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Civil Lines. She is a renowned contemporary Indian artist with an extensive number of solo shows to her credit. Her art is proudly owned by art collectors all over the globe. Many collectors in Nagpur proudly display her art in their homes. Well-known paediatrician Dr Satish Deopujari, who knows the family, said both Vishwas and Sumedh always wanted to be in the forces from childhood. "They were passionate about joining the services. I am happy they belong to our city," he said. Dr Deopujari also mentioned that Vishwas's wife, Suruchi Andhare, also from Nagpur, is an excellent artist of national repute. "She is a perfect complement to Vishwas," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Agniveer: Retention Period, Age Limit May Rise As Armed Forces Review Scheme
Agniveer: Retention Period, Age Limit May Rise As Armed Forces Review Scheme

News18

time3 days ago

  • News18

Agniveer: Retention Period, Age Limit May Rise As Armed Forces Review Scheme

An officer said selecting trainees in 6 months and adding 3–6 months of special training leaves Agniveers for only 2–2.5 years, sharply increasing training costs The Indian armed forces are reviewing the Agnipath scheme, which recruits soldiers, airmen, and sailors for four years, to balance the need for technically skilled personnel with keeping the average age of soldiers low. Following the impressive performance of Agniveers in Operation Sindoor in May, there is ongoing discussion about extending their retention period. According to sources quoted in The Indian Express, this step is being considered to leverage the training, experience, and expertise gained by Agniveers during their four-year tenure. Potential Increase In Retention Rates Initiated in 2022, the Agnipath scheme's first batch will complete its four-year service period by the end of 2026. Under current regulations, only 25% of Agniveers can be retained based on qualifications and organisational needs. However, discussions are underway to increase this percentage. Reports suggest that retention rates could rise to 70-75% in infantry and combat units, 80% for specially trained personnel (air defence, signals, engineers), and even 100% for special forces. The selection for special forces takes place during initial training, though officials say efforts will be made to ensure that higher retention does not raise the average age of Agniveers. These considerations will be further discussed in the next Army Commanders' meeting before being submitted to the government for approval. Post-Operation Sindoor, the Army has intensified efforts to incorporate new weapons, equipment, and modern technologies, which require trained personnel. Agniveers receive six months of basic training at regimental centres followed by three to six months of specialised training in their units. An officer noted that if trainees are selected within the first six months and then undergo three to six months of special training, Agniveers will be available for only about two to two-and-a-half years under the current plan. This significantly raises training costs. If trained personnel leave every four years, fresh recruits will have to be trained repeatedly, increasing the burden on the organisation and straining the limited pool of trainers. How Will It Impact Navy And Air Force Retention considerations extend to the Navy and Air Force as well. Last year, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh commended the performance of Agniveers and indicated readiness to retain more than 25%. Similarly, the Navy is prepared to increase the retention of sailors after the first batch completes its four-year period. Possible Increase In Maximum Recruitment Age Earlier this year, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi mentioned ongoing efforts to grant Agniveers similar leave and facilities as regular soldiers in case of martyrdom. He also highlighted the need for technically skilled personnel, suggesting an increase in the maximum recruitment age from 21 to 23 years. Technically complex services require experienced and skilled individuals, prompting a reconsideration of the Agnipath scheme to better meet these demands. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store