Operation Sindoor demonstrated IAF’s ability to destroy enemy infrastructure with precision and accuracy: Defense Minister

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during the Combined Graduation Parade of Flight Cadets at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, June 13, 2026. The ceremony marks the successful completion of preparatory training for cadets of various branches of the Indian Air Force. | Photo credit: G. Ramakrishna

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday (June 13, 2026) said the increasing participation of women is making the Indian Air Force (IAF) more balanced and robust as the service marked a historic milestone by inducting the first batch of women officers from the National Defense Academy (NDA), Pune, during the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the 217th Airderabad Academy, near Airderabad.

“With the increase in women strength, our Air Force is becoming more balanced and stronger. This reflects the strength of our inclusive force,” Mr Singh said after reviewing the parade. The female cadets who passed out from the NDA on 30 May 2025 underwent field training at the Air Force Academy prior to commissioning. On this occasion, for the first time in the history of the IAF, NDA female cadets graduated from the academy as officers. A total of five women have received the wings, two of whom will join the combat stream and the remaining three will join maintenance and ground duty.

A total of 231 flight cadets graduated after completing pre-commissioning training across various branches of the IAF. The graduation group consisted of 194 men and 37 women. Wings were also awarded to nine officers of the Indian Navy, three officers of the Indian Coast Guard and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after successful completion of flight training, while three officers received a brevet after completing navigation training.

During the ceremony, the graduates were awarded a presidential commission. The Defense Minister presented the President’s Plaque to the cadets who stood first in the overall order of merit in the Flying Branch, Navigation stream and Ground Duty.

Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav was awarded the prestigious President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honor for topping the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course. Flying Officer Ekta Gupta received the President’s Plaque for securing the first position in the navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh was awarded the President’s Plaque for excelling in the ground services branches.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Mr. Singh congratulated the cadets and said they were becoming part of a proud legacy built over decades by the Indian Air Force. He said that while they may have felt a sense of satisfaction and excitement after completing their training, their real journey had only just begun.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Mr Singh said the Indian Air Force had demonstrated its ability to destroy enemy infrastructure with precision and accuracy. He said the force’s achievements were made possible by indigenous platforms, a strong organizational structure and the contribution of dedicated personnel, and expressed confidence that the Air Force would continue to play a similar role in the future.

The Defense Secretary said the nature of warfare is undergoing a rapid transformation and modern conflicts are increasingly being shaped by technology. Unlike conventional wars, today’s conflicts often unfold without direct combat between soldiers or clearly defined battlefields, he noted.

Urging young officers to understand evolving threats and recalibrate their responses, Mr. Singh said they must remain open to change. “You have to adapt, adopt and adjust when necessary. You have to innovate and gain an edge in every aspect,” he said.

The ceremony began with displays by the Akash Ganga Parachute Team and the Air Warrior Drill Team, which showcased precision and synchronization. The aviation segment featured the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak aircraft, reflecting the various stages of flight training undertaken by the cadets at the academy. Highlights of the event included aerial displays by the Su-30 MKI fighter jet, the Sarang helicopter demonstration team and the Suryakiran aerobatic team, which drew applause from the audience.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 10:56 IST