Historic Graduation Parade Marks Milestones in Gender Inclusivity at Dundigal

The Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal will host the Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course on June 13, 2026. The event signifies the first commission of women cadets from the NDA, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and includes aerial displays and live broadcasts.

The prestigious Combined Graduation Parade of the 217 Course is set to unfold at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, on June 13, 2026. In a momentous ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside as the Reviewing Officer, marking the culmination of intensive training for the Indian Air Force Flight Cadets.

This year’s event is particularly significant due to the commissioning of the first cohort of women cadets from the National Defence Academy, Pune. These cadets, having completed their branch-specific training at AFA, symbolize a pivotal advance toward gender inclusivity within the Indian Armed Forces.

The ceremony will feature aerial displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team, culminating in an exquisite fly-past. With contributions from elite teams like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, this display affirms the high standards of the Indian Air Force.