The Indian Air Force Passing Out Parade (POP) – Autumn Term 2025, held on 13th December 2025 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, was not just a ceremonial event; it was a powerful reminder of what discipline, dedication, and dreams look like when they come together. From roaring aircraft overhead to young men and women earning their wings, the parade beautifully captured the spirit of the Indian Air Force.
A Grand Beginning: Sky Meets Skill
The atmosphere at the Air Force Academy was electric right from the start. As the audience looked up at the clear blue skies, aircraft roared overhead, signalling that this was not an ordinary graduation; it was an Air Force graduation.
One of the biggest highlights was the breathtaking Akash Ganga Skydiving Team display. Jumping from aircraft flown by experienced Air Force pilots, the paratroopers demonstrated free-fall techniques, canopy control, and precision landings. Free-falling at speeds close to 150 miles per hour, they split mid-air and deployed colourful parachutes that bloomed like flowers across the sky.
The appearance of the flag of the Indian Air Force, as well as the National Flag, descending gracefully onto the parade ground, is a sight that is still etched in my mind. The skills that the team displayed with parachute jumps, with some having as many as 700 to 800 jumps, are a matter of appreciation.
This demonstration, far from being merely thrilling, is a reminder of the Air Force’s airborne might, as well as the silent confidence with which the Air Force warriors operate.
Drill to Thrill: The Air Warrior Drill Team
Following the skydiving display, the Air Warrior Drill Team took over the parade ground. Living up to their motto, “Drill to Thrill,” the team delivered a high-energy, perfectly synchronised drill display.
All these movements, sharp turns, fast formations, as well as perfect coordination, showed the result of endless preparations. The drill exhibited not only physical training but also alertness, cooperation, and discipline, which are the essential attributes of every Air Warrior.
The Soul of the Parade: Training at Air Force Academy
Before the actual graduation parade commenced, the audience was introduced to the rigorous training journey undertaken by the cadets.
In June 2024, flight cadets selected through CDS, AFCAT, and NCC Special Entry began their pre-flying training. In December 2024, they were joined by cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA). Together, a total of 120 flight cadets commenced flying training on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk I aircraft.
After completing Stage I training, cadets were streamed into:
- Fighter
- Transport
- Helicopter
- Navigation streams
The training thereafter went on Air Force Stations such as Hakimpet, Yelahanka, and Bidar, as per the stream. For fighter pilots, it progresses to highly advanced training on the Hawk Mk-132.
On this proud occasion, 102 air force trainees, including officers from sister services as well as foreign friend nations, received their highly esteemed wings.
Nishan and Traditions: Honouring the President’s Colours
Among the most prestigious moments that took place during the parade is the Nishan and Colour Ceremony. The President’s Colours are the highest form of military distinction that a military unit can be accorded.
The Air Force Academy is a special one, as it has been conferred the Colours on 10th September 1975, becoming the first non-combat unit in the Indian Air Force to be so honoured. The entire gathering arose as the Nishan Toli entered the arena, realising that the Colours represented the living presence of the force.
The Graduation Parade: Marching into Responsibility
The bugle call marked the beginning of the Combined Graduation Parade. The flight cadets marched with precision in blue uniforms, heads high, determination in their eyes. The uniformity in their march expressed the discipline that had been imbibed within them by the academy.
The parade was commanded by young cadet leaders, showcasing early leadership qualities. As tradition demands, the newly commissioned officers offered their first salute to the reviewing officer, marking their formal entry into the officer cadre of the Indian Air Force.
Branch-Wise Commissioning: Many Roles, One Mission
The Autumn Term 2025 POP involved the following commissioning on several branches:
- Flying Branch: Pilots and Navigators
- Weapon Systems Branch: Specialists in airborne and ground-based systems
- Engineering Branch: Aircraft and system maintenance experts
- Administration Branch: Air Traffic Controllers and Fighter Controllers
- Logistics Branch: Supply chain and inventory managers
- Accounts Branch: Financial management of Air Force units
- Education Branch: Training and academic development
- Meteorology Branch: Weather forecasting for air operations
Each branch plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Air Force functions seamlessly on the ground and in the air.
Awards and Honours: Celebrating Excellence
Hard work and excellence are never overlooked at the Air Force Academy. Prestigious prizes were handed out, including:
- President’s Plaque: For "First in Overall Order of Merit"
- Nawanagar Sword of Honour: This is given to the best overall officer
It’s really a matter of learning norms that are not necessarily Christian, but merely Western. Recently.
The Reviewing Officer’s Address: Words That Inspire
The parade was reviewed by the Chief of Defence Staff, whose address struck a deep chord with the graduating officers. He reminded them that:
- The wearing of the uniform is a source of implicit respect and responsibility
- Being a leader is taking responsibility for other people
- Professional excellence is not a luxury; it is a requirement
The tone of his discussion was on the future of warfare, technologies, jointness, innovation, responsiveness, and integrity. This address far exceeded the realm of military life; it stretched to life itself.
Flypast and Aerial Spectacle: Power in the Skies
No air force parade is complete without aircraft flying over. The fly past involved:
- Pilatus PC-7 aircraft
- Chetak helicopters
- Kiran and Hawk aircraft
The highlight for many was the breathtaking display by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. From heart-shaped formations to high-speed cross manoeuvres, the skies were painted with precision, teamwork, and courage.
These displays were not just entertainment; they were demonstrations of India’s air power and training excellence.
A Moment for Parents and Families
For parents seated in the stands, this parade was deeply emotional. Watching their children march out as commissioned officers, earning their first salute, was a moment of lifelong pride.
Years of sacrifices, discipline, and support culminated in this single day.
What POP Autumn Term 2025 Means for Aspirants
If you are preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or Airmen entries, this parade is proof that dreams do come true.
Every officer on that parade ground once stood exactly where you stand today with doubts, hopes, and determination. What made the difference was consistency, discipline, and the courage to keep going.
Final Thoughts
The Indian Air Force Passing Out Parade Autumn Term 2025 was a celebration of youth, honour, and national service. It reflected the Air Force’s core belief:
“People First, Mission Always.”
As the newly commissioned officers marched out heads high and hearts full, the message was clear: the skies of India are in safe hands.
Jai Hind.
