Rajnath Singh urges IAF officers to adapt to changing nature of warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged newly commissioned IAF officers to adapt to evolving warfare technologies and strategies. Speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, he highlighted the growing role of advanced systems and praised the force's humanitarian contributions

Hyderabad: Observing that warfare has undergone major changes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged the newly commissioned IAF officers to adopt, adapt and amend, if required, new war systems and strategies.

Earlier, there were two vectors – soldiers and equipment – but in today’s war situation, the enemy is not visible as radars, satellites, drones and robotic systems, among others, are being deployed, he said. “Today, a scenario of controlling adversaries’ traffic systems and CCTV networks has also emerged,” he said after reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of the 217 Course held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, here.

---

The CGP marked the commissioning of the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, who passed out on May 30, 2025, and joined the AFA for branch-specific training.

He highlighted the IAF’s success in high-stakes rescue missions and its role in ensuring the safety of even foreign citizens during crises. “In that way, during humanitarian missions, the Indian Air Force has enhanced Indian culture and ethos,” he added.

The Defence Minister urged the newly commissioned officers to attain excellence and added that only smart nations were making their mark in the technology sector. “Earlier, powerful nations used to have a decisive edge in every situation. But now, comparatively, even smaller nations are achieving a decisive edge with new lethal weapons and tactics,” he said.

Stating that the IAF has been a source of inspiration for crores of people in the country, he urged the officers to carry forward the legacy of IAF officer Shubhanshu Shukla, who was part of the International Space Station team.