The Air Force Academy at Dindigal is a unique institution where the personnel of all branches of the Air Force are trained under one roof. The academy not only nourishes inter-branch understanding within the Air Force, but also acts as a stepping stone for inter-service co-ordination at the tactical and strategic level. During the training, the Pilot Officers not only assimilate professional skills of a high order but also develop personal attributes of leadership, discipline and determination, which are essential for leaders in the Services.

Mr George Fernandes, Minister for Defence recently reviewed the salute presented by the Pilot Officers on the occasion of the combined graduation parade held at AFA, Dindigal. He complimented all the graduating officers and cadets for their smart turnout and excellent standard of drill. He felicitated them on the successful completion of their training and being awarded the President’s Commission. He congratulated the officers of the thirteenth batch of women pilots and other women officers who have been commissioned into the IAF.

The Minister also presented the awards for being first in overall order of merit, President Plaque and CAS sword of honour to Pilot Officer MK Srivastava while President’s Trophy was presented to Pilot Officer A Pandey. The President Plaque, AOC-in-C Training Command Medal and AOC-in-C Training Command Medal for being first in order of merit (Logistics) were presented to Pilot Officer S Gangopadhyay, Pilot Officer Vipanjit Sandhu and JUO Pooja Rawat respectively. Air Vice Marshal S Bhojwani, Commandant Air Force Academy received the Minister and AOC-in-C (Training) Air Marshal J S Rai and other dignitaries.