Combined Graduation Parade at Indian Air Force Academy Dundigal

INN/Hyderabad, @Infodeaofficial

The renowned Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held on December 14, 2024, at the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad. At the occasion, 204 flying cadets—178 men and 26 women—who had undergone intense pre-commissioning training were awarded the President’s Commission by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).

The commissioning of the first group of officers in the IAF’s recently formed Weapon Systems branch was a momentous event that took place during this march. In addition, after finishing flight school, nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and one from a friendly foreign country were awarded their coveted “Wings.”

Flying Officer Parag Dhankar of the Flying branch received the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour and the President’s Plaque during the event for placing first in the pilots’ course’s overall order of merit. For his outstanding work, Ground Duty branch Flying Officer Ram Prasad Gurjar was awarded the President’s Plaque.

Four different types of trainer aircraft—the Pilatus PC-7 MkII, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak—performed an amazing flypast during the parade. The grand finale featured coordinated aerobatics by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and the Sarang Helicopter performance Team, as well as an impressive aerial performance by a PC-7 MKII and SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

For the recently commissioned officers, this commissioning event, which is attended by dignitaries and happy families, marks the start of an illustrious career of service to the country.