Meet Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia, who is set to become first woman fighter pilot of Indian Navy

Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has scripted history by becoming the first woman to be inducted into the fighter stream of Indian naval aviation. She will now undergo training to qualify as a fighter pilot.

 

“A New Chapter in Naval Aviation #IndianNavy marks a historic milestone with the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course,” a tweet from the Indian Navy read.

 

According to the defence ministry, her induction into the stream will pave the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Indian Navy.

 

“Streaming of 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 ministry added.

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Indian Navy has already inducted women officers as pilots and naval air operations officers in MR (maritime reconnaissance) aircraft and helicopters.

 

On Thursday, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’—awarded to naval aviators of the Indian Navy upon successful completion of their flight training—from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).

 

According to an Indian Express report, Sub Lieutenant Poonia hails from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. She applied for the aviation branch of the Navy after completing her BTech. 

 

Her achievement may inspire more women to join the armed forces and help in the progress towards the goal of equal opportunities in the armed forces.

 

 

 

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Defence