New Delhi: Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly the LCA Tejas. This achievement has opened new doors of opportunities for women in the Indian Air Force. Mohana Singh, who joined the fighter stream eight years ago, serves alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth as a fighter pilot.
In the early days, all three pilots trained on various fighter jets, and now they are part of the regular fleet of Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas. The Indian Air Force is regarded as the fourth most powerful air force in the world, and currently, there are 20 active women fighter pilots. The fighter stream for women was opened in 2016, allowing them to participate in various combat operations.
Recently, the Indian Air Force has provided further opportunities for women in all its streams. On December 2 last year, the Air Force inducted 153 women Agniveer Vayu in the non-officer cadre. Their training took place at the Airmen Training School in Belgaum, Karnataka. Additionally, 2,280 new recruits also joined the Air Force.
Women have also been given the chance to join the elite commando group ‘Garud’ of the Indian Air Force, though they must pass a rigorous selection process to be included.