118 Engineering Officers Graduate from AFTC Bengaluru, Fg Off Raghvendra Pratap Singh Wins Sword of Honour

The Air Force Technical College (AFTC) in Bengaluru held the passing-out parade of the 107th Aeronautical Engineering Course on Saturday, culminating 62 weeks of professional training for 118 engineering officers, including five officers from friendly foreign countries. The graduates are now set to take up technical appointments in the Indian Air Force and in partner air forces.

Air Marshal Yalla Umesh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, reviewed the parade as chief guest. He was received on arrival by Air Commodore V.N. Rao, Commandant of AFTC. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the three services, serving air warriors, veterans and the parents of the graduating officers.

The parade featured a precision drill display by the Air Warrior Drill Team, while a flypast by Dornier aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters added to the ceremonial proceedings. The event concluded with motorcycle stunts by the Tornadoes, the motorcycle display team of the Army Service Corps.

Among the top performers, Flying Officer Raghvendra Pratap Singh was awarded the Sword of Honour for securing first place in the overall order of merit. Flying Officer Vaibhav Mishra received the President’s Plaque for being judged the best officer in professional subjects and general service training. The Chief of the Air Staff Medals for topping the Electronics and Mechanical streams went to Flying Officer Rohan Veer Singh Rawat and Flying Officer Keshika K, respectively. Trophies and medallions were also presented to other officers who distinguished themselves during the course.

In his address, Air Marshal Umesh congratulated the newly commissioned officers on completing their training and stressed the values expected of them in service. He highlighted professionalism, integrity and dedication, and urged them to pursue excellence in a way that contributes to the operational readiness and traditions of the Indian Air Force.

The 107th Aeronautical Engineering Course adds to the Indian Air Force’s technical strength. Officers trained at AFTC are responsible for maintaining the reliability and operational availability of aircraft, weapons and related systems, making their role central to day-to-day air force functioning. The presence of officers from friendly foreign countries also points to India’s wider role as a hub for aerospace professional training.