Hyderabad will witness a grand display of military tradition with the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 214 course at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal scheduled for December 14. This prestigious event is a celebration of the flight cadets’ successful completion of their pre-commissioning training across various branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The ceremony will be graced by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, who will serve as the Reviewing Officer for the parade. His presence underscores the significance of this event, which serves as an important milestone in the careers of the graduating flight cadets. During the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Singh will confer the esteemed ‘President’s Commission’ upon the graduating trainees, marking their official transition into the service.
The parade will not only focus on the flight cadets but will also recognize the achievements of officers from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign nation. Each participant will receive ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ upon the successful culmination of their training, symbolizing their readiness to take on their respective roles within the armed forces.
A noteworthy highlight of this year’s parade will be the commissioning of the inaugural batch of Weapon Systems branch officers into the IAF, reflecting the evolving structure and capabilities of the Indian Air Force. Additionally, the flight cadet who stands first in the order of merit from the flying branch will be honored with the prestigious ‘President’s Plaque’ and the ‘Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour.’ This exceptional cadet will also have the honor of commanding the parade—a recognition of their exemplary performance and leadership qualities.
The ceremony will further acknowledge the cadet who achieves the highest overall merit in the Ground Duty branch, reinforcing the competitive spirit and dedication among the departing officers.
In a showcase of aerial prowess, the parade will feature exhilarating displays, including performances by the SU-30 MKI, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), and the ‘Sarang’ helicopter display team. Audiences can look forward to an impressive array of flypasts by various aircraft, including the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak, making this event a spectacular celebration of aviation and military excellence.
Overall, the Combined Graduation Parade is set to be a momentous occasion that highlights the dedication, discipline, and commitment of the future leaders of the Indian Air Force, paving the way for a new chapter in their military careers.
