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New squadron for National Defence Academy in Pune approved

The Central government has approved a new squadron for National Defence Academy (NDA) here enhancing the strength of the premier institute which imparts leadership training to future officers of the three services, by 120 cadets.

"A new squadron for the academy has been approved by the government and is expected to be ready by June 2013 along with other association infrastructure. This will enhance the trainee strength by 120 cadets," Vice admiral Satish Soni, Commandant NDA, said at a press conference here today.

The NDA at present has a strength of 1,883 cadets of which 84 are from friendly countries like Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Maldives and Afghanistan.

Soni said all the three services headquarters were addressing to the problem of shortage of officers, and added that at NDA the rate of drop-outs was less than 10 percent.

Air Chief Marshal P V Naik will review the passing out parade of the 119th course of NDA on November 29, which will see 183 cadets successfully completing their training.