"In war, there are no runners-up": CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's message to flight cadets at AFA Hyderabad
Dec 13, 2025
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 13 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday attended the Combined Graduation Parade review at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
On the occasion, CDS Gen Chauhan, in his message to the flight cadets, emphasised that in wars, there are no runners-up while highlighting that Operation Sindoor is continuing.
"The margin of error is nil, and the cost of complacency is unforgiving. You also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape, an era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues. Our strengths will lie in the ability to remain alert, agile, and prepared every hour, every day. Making victory a habit should be part of this new normal. Wars are not won by rhetoric, but by purposeful action," CDS Gen Chauhan said. 
A Combined Graduation Parade was conducted to mark the successful completion of the pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets of various branches of the Indian Air Force at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, was the Reviewing Officer for the graduation ceremony.
CDS General Anil Chauhan also congratulated trainees from Vietnam for graduating from the Air Force Academy and said that their presence strengthens the bond of trust and friendship between India and Vietnam.
CDS Chauhan also wished the trainee graduates for their future endeavours and asserted that their future ahead is filled with honour, sacrifice, and continuous efforts towards excellence.