Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia Becomes Indian Navy’s First Woman Fighter Pilot.

Context:

In a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has created history by becoming the first woman to be inducted into the fighter stream of the Indian Navy’s Naval Aviation. This significant achievement was celebrated during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, on July 3, 2025.

Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia’s Achievement:

• Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia is the first woman officer to be streamed into the fighter stream of Naval Aviation.
• She received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course.
• The ‘Wings of Gold’ were awarded by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air).
• Following this milestone, she will undergo further specialized training to fully qualify as a fighter pilot.
• Upon completion of her training, she may fly advanced naval fighter jets such as the MiG-29K or the Naval Rafale from India’s aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
• Significance for the Indian Navy and Armed Forces:
• This is a historic moment that shatters a significant gender barrier within the Indian Navy.
• It exemplifies the Indian Navy’s dedication to gender inclusivity and providing equal opportunities in all branches, including highly demanding combat roles.
• The achievement aligns with the national vision of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power), promoting the empowerment of women in diverse fields.
• Prior to this, women officers in Naval Aviation were primarily inducted as pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) aircraft and helicopters. Her entry into the fighter stream marks a new era.

Broader Context of Women in Indian Armed Forces Combat Roles:

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) was the first among the three services to open its fighter stream to women in 2016, commissioning the first batch of three women fighter pilots: Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh. The IAF now has over 20 women fighter pilots.
• The Indian Army Aviation Corps also inducted its first woman combat aviator, Major Abhilasha Barak.
• Sub-Lieutenant Poonia’s induction means that women are now being trained for combat flying roles across all three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), signifying a comprehensive shift in policy.
• Since 2020, the Indian Navy has reported a 15% increase in the recruitment of female officers, with more women taking on roles in both combat and technical branches.

Historical Context:

• Historically, women in the Indian Armed Forces were primarily inducted into non-combat and support roles, such as the Medical Corps, Nursing Service, Education Corps, and administrative branches.
• The gradual opening of combat roles to women is a testament to evolving policies and judicial interventions.
• Landmark Supreme Court judgments, such as the Babita Puniya v. Union of India case (2020), mandated Permanent Commission for women officers in all arms where Short Service Commission (SSC) is permitted, ensuring equal opportunities for career progression and command appointments. This decision was pivotal in promoting gender equality.
• The government’s Nari Shakti initiative aims to empower women across various sectors, and their increased representation in the armed forces, especially in combat roles, is a direct reflection of this national push.
• The Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, also includes provisions for the induction of women as Agniveers across all three services, further broadening their participation at the personnel below officer rank (PBOR) level.

Indian Navy – Structure and Naval Aviation:

• Naval Aviation: This branch of the Indian Navy is responsible for operating various types of aircraft, including fighter jets, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters, crucial for safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
• Aircraft Carriers: India operates aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant, which are key power projection platforms, requiring skilled fighter pilots for their air wings. The ability of women to operate from these carriers signifies their full integration into frontline combat.
• Fighter Aircraft: The integration of women into piloting advanced fighter jets like the MiG-29K (a Russian-origin carrier-borne multirole fighter) and potentially the Rafale-M (the naval variant of the French Rafale) showcases the rigorous training and high standards required for naval fighter pilots.