Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia makes history, to join as Navy’s first woman fighter pilot

Indian Navy will have its first woman fighter pilot in Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia . She passed the Basic ‘Hawk conversion course’ at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy said.

Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation.

Indian Navy flies fighters jets from decks of aircraft carriers.

Indian Navy has already inducted women officers as Pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters.

Sub Lieutenant 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, the Navy said.

India