Rajnath Urges IAF Officers to Stay Vigilant Amid Evolving Warfare Challenges
Hyderabad, June 13 (TNT): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged newly commissioned Indian Air Force (IAF) officers to remain vigilant and adapt swiftly to emerging security challenges, saying modern warfare demands continuous innovation and preparedness.
Reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, near Hyderabad, and awarding the President’s Commission to graduating cadets, Singh said the nature of warfare has undergone a fundamental transformation.
“Traditionally, warfare involved the soldier and the equipment. Today, neither the adversary nor the weapon is often visible. Technologies such as radars, satellites, drones, sensors and robotics have changed the battlefield, while cyber threats can target even traffic systems and surveillance networks,” he said.
A total of 231 Flight Cadets, including 37 women and the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), were commissioned into the IAF.
Nine officers from the Indian Navy, three from the Indian Coast Guard and two officers from Vietnam were also awarded Wings on the occasion.
The Defence Minister said the officers’ training had equipped them to deal with uncertainties and unexpected situations and exhorted them to understand, adapt, adopt and, where necessary, modify futuristic warfare systems and strategies.
“Every conflict offers lessons. Hard work must be complemented by smart work and innovation. Today, even smaller powers can inflict significant damage on larger platforms through compact but lethal weapons and novel tactics,” he said.
Singh stressed that the wings worn by IAF officers symbolise the trust reposed in them by the nation and carry immense responsibility.
“The decisions you take may often have to be made in seconds. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and conduct,” he said.
Congratulating the graduating officers, the Defence Minister said they were joining a force that has consistently served as both a shield and a sword for the nation.
Recalling the IAF’s contributions in major military operations, he cited its role in the Srinagar airlift during the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict, the 1971 war and Operation Sindoor in 2025.
“The IAF demonstrated exceptional courage and precision during Operation Sindoor, successfully striking terror hideouts. The success of the operation reflected not only the strength of indigenous platforms but also the professionalism and discipline of our air warriors,” he said.
Singh also congratulated the women officers, stating that the growing participation of women would further strengthen the IAF and reflect the inclusiveness of the armed forces.
He extended his best wishes to the Vietnamese officers and expressed confidence that their training in India would further deepen bilateral ties.
The Defence Minister also lauded the IAF’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, both in India and abroad.
“It is often said that the sky is the limit. For the Indian Air Force, the sky should be considered home. This vision will contribute to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
The parade featured a ceremonial march past and a flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
The aerial display included Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, Kiran and Chetak trainer aircraft.
The event also witnessed performances by the Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Shakti Women Air Warrior Drill Team, the Sarang helicopter display team, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and a Su-30 MKI aerobatic demonstration.
Among the award winners, Flying Officer Ashish Kumar Yadav received the President’s Plaque and the Nawanagar Sword of Honour for securing first position in the overall order of merit in the Pilot Course.
Flying Officer Ekta Gupta topped the Navigation stream, while Flying Officer Divyanshi Singh secured first position in the Ground Duty branches.
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal S. Shrinivas, AFA Commandant Air Marshal Rahul Bhasin, senior IAF officers, trainees and family members attended the ceremony.
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