Sub-Lt Astha Poonia Becomes Indian Navy's First Woman Fighter Pilot: All You Need To Know
New Delhi: Marking a historic moment, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation in India. The leap breaks barriers, paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the navy, the Ministry of Defense announced in a statement.
The official elevation took place during India’s Navy’s celebration of the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam on Thursday, July 3. On the occasion, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).
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In the statement, the defense ministry pointed out the Indian Navy had already inducted women officers as Pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in MR aircraft and helicopters. “Streaming of SLt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity,” it added.
Though women are already serving as pilots and officers in maritime reconnaissance roles in the Indian Navy, Astha Poonia became the first woman to enter the fighter pilot stream of the navy. With the induction, Pooia may fly the MiG-29K or the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet from India’s aircraft carriers. The MiG-29K is the naval version of a long-serving Indian Air Force fighter.
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The induction of the woman officer shatters the long-standing ceiling, making women officers feel equally capable of matching their male counterparts in the most demanding combat roles. Many countries have permitted women to be navy fighter pilots. The US has had women flying combat aircraft, including carrier-borne combat pilots, and Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) Royal Navy also has women flying combat jets. China has also started recruiting and training women for naval aviation.
