Hyderabad: First batch of weapon system branch officers commissioned into IAF

A total of 204 flying cadets, including 26 women, were commissioned into flying and ground duty branches of the IAF after their training at the academy

Hyderabad: First batch of the weapon system branch officers (13) were commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of number 214 Course at Air Force Academy (AFA) here on Saturday.

A total of 204 flying cadets, including 26 women, were commissioned into flying and ground duty branches of the IAF after their training at the academy. Nine officer trainees, each from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, and one from Vietnam (friendly country) also passed out during the parade, which was reviewed by IAF Chief AP Singh.

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Flying officer Parag Dhankar was awarded the President’s Plaque as well as the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in overall order of merit in the pilots’ course, while flying officer Ram Prasad Gurjar was awarded the President’s Plaque for being first in overall order of merit in ground duty branches.

The ceremony included presentation of ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ to the flight cadets of the IAF, officers of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and one officer from a friendly foreign country for successful completion of training.

Aerial display by SU-30 MKI, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, Akashganga, a skydiving team, and the ‘Sarang’ helicopter display team were major attractions of the ceremony, along with flypasts by the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft.