Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal Awarded Sword of Honour at IAF Graduation Parade 2025
On December 13, 2025, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, hosted the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) in a display of military grandeur. The event marked the end of pre-commissioning training for Flight Cadets from the Indian Air Force's Flying and Ground Duty branches. General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), reviewed the parade and presented the President’s Commission to the graduating Flight Cadets of the 216 Course.
On this notable day, 244 Flight Cadets were commissioned as Flying Officers, comprising 215 male and 29 female cadets. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Commandant of the Air Force Academy, welcomed the CDS. The Reviewing Officer received a General Salute, followed by a meticulously performed march past.
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of six Indian Navy officers, eight Indian Coast Guard officers, and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, who were awarded their 'Wings' after successfully completing flying training. Additionally, five officers were presented with ‘Brevets’ for completing their Navigation training. The family members of the graduating officers shared in the pride and joy of the occasion.
The Commissioning Ceremony was the central feature of the parade, with cadets officially becoming Flying Officers. They pledged their allegiance to the nation, committing to uphold its sovereignty, unity, and honour. The event included an impressive flypast executed by Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft, alongside thrilling performances by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT).
Recognition for outstanding achievement in training was awarded to several officers. Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal of the Flying Branch received the President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for ranking first in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Saksham Dobriyal earned the President’s Plaque for leading in the Navigation stream, and Flying Officer Nitesh Kumar was honoured with the President’s Plaque for excellence in the Ground Duty branches.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff praised the new officers for their impeccable turnout, precise drill, and adherence to military discipline. He congratulated them on joining the armed forces and highlighted the honour and responsibility that accompanies service to the nation. The CDS encouraged them to remain humble and principled, warning against arrogance and ignorance.
General Chauhan emphasized the significance of innovation and asymmetry in modern warfare, stressing the role of technology as a decisive factor. He urged a focus on AI-driven data fusion, man-unmanned teaming, autonomous systems, and cognitive domain operations. He cited Op Sindoor as a testament to the IAF's professionalism, underscoring the ethos of JAI—Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation—as foundational to India’s future combat power.
The parade concluded with a poignant closing ceremony as the newly commissioned officers marched in two columns to martial music. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led a three-aircraft Kiran formation overhead, offering the first salute to the young officers, while their juniors looked on proudly.
The event's grand finale was a synchronic display by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), concluding the Combined Graduation Parade 2025 with a spectacular flourish and commencing the new officers' distinguished careers in the Indian Air Force.
