Indian Air Force Combined Graduation Parade 2026 on June 13
Rajnath Singh to Review Air Force Academy Graduation Parade as First NDA-Trained Women Cadets Prepare for Commissioning
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will review the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 217 Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad, on 13 June 2026, marking an important milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the wider armed forces.
The parade will celebrate the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for flight cadets across different branches of the IAF. During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh, serving as the Reviewing Officer, will confer the President’s Commission on graduating trainees and oversee the presentation of Wings and Brevets to newly qualified personnel.
This year’s event carries added significance because it will include the commissioning of the first batch of women cadets who began their military journey at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. The women officers passed out of the NDA on 30 May 2025 before undergoing branch-specific training at the Air Force Academy. Their commissioning marks another step in the gradual expansion of opportunities for women within India’s armed forces.
The Combined Graduation Parade is one of the most important events in the Air Force Academy calendar. It formally marks the transition of trainees into commissioned officers after months of rigorous academic, military and professional training. The event also reflects the close cooperation between different branches of India’s armed forces and friendly foreign nations.
Alongside Indian Air Force cadets, officers and trainees from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will receive Wings and Brevets after successfully completing their respective training programmes.
The Air Force Academy at Dundigal serves as the premier training institution for future officers of the Indian Air Force. Established in the early 1970s near Hyderabad, the academy trains personnel for flying, technical and ground duty branches. Over the decades, thousands of officers have passed through its gates before serving in operational, administrative and leadership roles across the country. The academy has also played an important role in expanding opportunities for women in military aviation since the induction of women trainees into the Air Force in the 1990s.
The commissioning of the first NDA-trained women officers into the Air Force represents a notable moment in the evolution of military training in India. The National Defence Academy, long regarded as the country’s premier joint-services training institution, admitted women cadets for the first time following a landmark policy change. In May 2025, the academy saw its first-ever batch of women cadets graduate, creating a new chapter in its history.
Defence analysts have viewed the inclusion of women in institutions such as the NDA as part of a broader effort to increase gender representation across the armed forces. In recent years, women officers have taken on a growing range of responsibilities in aviation, technical services, logistics, air defence and other operational roles. The commissioning of the first NDA-trained women officers into the Air Force is therefore being seen as both a symbolic and practical milestone.
During the parade, Rajnath Singh will also present the President’s Plaque to the cadets who secure first place in the overall order of merit in the Flying Branch, Navigation Stream and Ground Duty Branches. These awards recognise exceptional performance throughout training and are among the most prestigious honours available to graduating cadets.
Military precision and ceremonial tradition will remain central features of the event. The parade is expected to begin with displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT), both of which have become popular attractions at major Air Force ceremonies.
The event will also feature a series of fly-pasts led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. The aerial segment will showcase four categories of trainer aircraft that play a crucial role in preparing future Air Force pilots.
Aircraft participating in the fly-past will include the Pilatus PC-7 MkII, used for basic flying training; the Hawk advanced jet trainer; the Kiran trainer aircraft; and the Chetak helicopter. Together, these platforms represent different stages of pilot development, from initial flying instruction to advanced operational preparation.
Spectators can also expect displays from some of the Air Force’s most recognised aviation teams. A Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft demonstration is planned, alongside performances by the Sarang helicopter display team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT). These demonstrations are designed to showcase the skills of Air Force pilots while highlighting the operational capabilities of different aircraft types.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, known for its synchronised formations and precision flying, regularly performs at national events and international air shows. Similarly, the Sarang team has earned recognition for its helicopter manoeuvres and formation displays. Their participation adds a public-facing element to a ceremony that primarily focuses on military training and commissioning.
Combined Graduation Parades have long been a key tradition within the Indian Air Force. They provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding cadets, celebrate the completion of demanding training programmes and formally welcome newly commissioned officers into service.
The importance of such ceremonies extends beyond symbolism. The Indian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet and operational capabilities while responding to evolving security challenges. Newly commissioned officers entering the service today are expected to operate increasingly sophisticated aircraft, weapons systems and digital technologies. Their training reflects the changing demands of modern military operations.
Recent graduation parades at the Air Force Academy have highlighted the growing diversity of officer entrants and the expanding roles available within the service. The academy continues to train personnel not only for the Air Force but also for other Indian services and selected international partners, reinforcing defence cooperation and professional military education.
For families, instructors and fellow service members, the parade serves as the culmination of years of preparation and commitment. For the graduating officers, it marks the beginning of their professional military careers.
The Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course will be held on the morning of 13 June 2026 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. The ceremony will be broadcast live from 0700 hours on DD National and through official Indian Air Force social media platforms, allowing viewers across the country to witness the commissioning of a new generation of military officers and a landmark moment for women graduating through the National Defence Academy pathway.
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