Prince Salman later wrote in the academy’s visitors’ register that he was highly impressed by the progress achieved by its students. He congratulated the new graduates and wished them every success in their future careers.

The officers including two Yemenis and a Lebanese have completed three years of intensive academic and military training at the academy, one of best air force training centers in the region.

During the ceremony, a number of fighter jets participated in an aerial show, with the pilots displaying their aerobatic and military skills.

Prince Salman also opened a new hall for graduation ceremonies at the academy. The hall has been designed in the shape of a plane.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Prince Muqrin, chief of the intelligence, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, state minister and commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail, Air Force Commander Gen. Muhammad Al-Ayesh and Prince Salman’s office director Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Binyan were also present.

Earlier Maj. Gen. Ali bin Juwair Al-Hamd, commander of the academy, congratulated Prince Salman on his new appointment as defense minister. He hoped that Prince Salman would continue the efforts made by Sultan to strengthen the armed forces.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Hisham bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar said he and his colleagues are delighted to join the Kingdom’s air force after receiving advanced training on how to use various weapons. He thanked Prince Salman for attending the graduation.