First woman fighter pilot in Navy: Sub Lt Aastha Poonia marks milestone in Indian Naval Aviation; receives ‘Wings of Gold’ with Lt Atul Kumar Dhull | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia became the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of Naval Aviation, marking a first for the Indian Navy in assigning combat roles to women.Poonia, along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull on Thursday was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), during the Winging Ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.While both officers graduated from the course, it was Sub Lt Poonia’s historic induction into the fighter stream that drew widespread attention, breaking a long-standing glass ceiling and opening the path for more women to join the frontline combat aviation cadre.“A New Chapter in Naval Aviation,” the Indian Navy posted on X, celebrating the occasion. “Slt Poonia becomes the First Woman Pilot to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation – Shattering Barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.”A Navy spokesperson said, “Streaming of Sub Lt 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.”Although women officers have previously been commissioned as pilots and air operations officers in the Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters, this marks the first time a woman has entered the demanding fighter aircraft stream.The achievement reflects the broader vision of Nari Shakti, with the Navy steadily advancing its efforts to increase women’s participation in leadership and operational roles. It also comes at a time when women officers from across the Indian Armed Forces have been increasingly recognised for their operational competence.Recently, during Operation Sindoor, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force made headlines as they addressed the media, briefing on key operational developments — further reinforcing the growing role of women in India’s defence leadership.
