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HYDERABAD: IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V.R . Chaudhari on Saturday said that modern warfare was no longer a physical domain, but a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape increasingly influenced by complex data networks and advanced cyber technologies.
“Tomorrow’s conflicts cannot be fought with yesterday’s mindset,” he said at the combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, near here. “As leaders, you need to adapt, innovate and leverage technology effectively for proving decisive in winning wars.”
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said that 2024 was the year of ‘Transformation Through Upskilling’, and emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adapting to modern warfare.
He also suggested that the cadets passing out cultivate the habit of reading. “The more you read, the better you will understand the complexities of your field. A well read mind is capable of adapting and leading with clarity in the face of the unknown,” he said.
The ceremony, which marked the culmination of training for 235 flight cadets, was a proud moment for the new officers and their families. “Mission, Integrity, and Excellence are the core values of the IAF,” the IAF chief said, urging the newly commissioned officers to lead by example with professional competence, courage, and empathy.
He also highlighted the IAF’s vision of ‘People First, Mission Always,’ encouraging the graduates to demonstrate these values in their service.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari conferred the President’s Commission on the new officers, including 22 women. The event also saw the awarding of ‘Wings’ to nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and one from a foreign nation. Twentyfive cadets from the National Defence Academy were commissioned into the ground duty branches.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal S. Shrinivas, Commandant AFA, welcomed the IAF chief. The parade began with a general salute, followed by an impressive march past and synchronised fly-pasts featuring Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak helicopters.
Flying Officer Happy Singh from the flying branch receiving the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for overall excellence in the pilots’ course. Flying Officer Taufeeq Raza was awarded the President’s Plaque for his outstanding performance in the ground duty officers’ course.
The event concluded with the new officers marching to the traditional notes of ‘Anandaloke’ by Rabindranath Tagore, receiving their first salute from their juniors. The grand finale featured an exhilarating aerobatic display by the SU-30 MKI, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
