The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 213 Officers' Course was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad on Saturday. During the parade, the India Air Force’s (IAF) Surya Kiran aerobatic team (SKAT) enticed the audience with a brilliant air display.
Aside from SKAT, an enthralling flypast formation was seen by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-lI, Dornier, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak aircraft, as well as aerobatic shows by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, SU-30 MKI and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, marked the culmination of the CGP.
According to ANI, the parade was held with traditional military splendour, to mark the successful completion of pre-commissioning training of flight cadets of the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the IAF.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), was the Reviewing Officer (RO) of the parade. During the function, the RO conferred the President's Commission to the graduating trainees.
Speaking at the event, he said, "...Tomorrow's conflicts cannot be fought with yesterday's mindset. Architects of new standards would always trump the followers of the old..."
The ceremony included the presentation of 'Wings' to the Flight Cadets, officers of the Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard, and officers from friendly foreign countries who completed their flying training. Being the culmination of a demanding period of training, the occasion marks the most important milestone in any military aviator's career.
The Flight Cadet from the Flying Branch who stands first in the order of merit was awarded the Chief of the Air Staff 'Sword of Honour' and the President's Plaque for excelling in overall training.