NEW DELHI: The first batch of five women National Defence Academy (NDA) entrants were among 231 flight cadets who were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) following their graduation from Dundigal-based Air Force Academy in Telangana’s Hyderabad on Saturday.The 231 cadets included 194 men and 37 women. Nine officers from the Indian Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard and two from Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded ‘Wings’ on the occasion. ‘Brevets’ were also given to three officers upon completion of their navigation training.Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade of 217 Course and awarded ‘President’s Commission’ to the graduating cadets, advised them to adapt when necessary, in war-like situations, and to innovate while executing to gain an edge. Extending special congratulations to women officers, the minister said the growing presence of Nari Shakti will further strengthen IAF, making it more robust and balanced. “This demonstrates the strength of our inclusive force,” he said. He also wished success to the graduating Vietnamese cadets in their future endeavours, exuding confidence that their training will bolster the friendship between the two countries.Rajnath said they are joining a service which has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation. “IAF altered the course of the 1947-48 war in Kashmir through the Srinagar airlift and scripted history in just 13 days with decisive air strikes during the 1971 war. Their indomitable spirit and unmatched valour were demonstrated during 2025 Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror hideouts with clarity and precision. The operation was successfully executed not only by our indigenous platforms, but also due to IAF’s trained, courageous, and disciplined officers. I am confident that it will continue to play a pivotal role in future operations as well,” he said.The minister stressed the need to innovate, execute and gain a decisive edge on all fronts. “Every conflict serves as a learning opportunity. You must combine hard work with smart work and brilliance. In the present era, smart nations are carving out a significant place for themselves in the field of technology. It was, earlier, believed that major powers hold a decisive edge on every front, but today even comparatively smaller powers inflict massive damage on large platforms using compact yet lethal weapons and novel tactics,” he said.He urged the officers to never cease learning and training, emphasising that the ‘wings’ on their shoulders are not merely a badge, but a symbol of trust of every Indian. “The responsibility you are about to shoulder is inherently so complex that you will often have to make decisions not in minutes, but in seconds or even less. You must consistently uphold such high standards of professionalism and conduct that inspire others,” he said.“It is often said that ‘the sky’s the limit’. It certainly holds true for IAF, but you must move forward with the vision of ‘the sky is our home’. This very vision will help in making us Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Rajnath said.
