Wings of Change—Astha Poonia Soars as Navy’s First Woman Fighter Pilot

Taking a historic leap towards gender equality in the forces, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has emerged as the first female fighter pilot in the Indian Navy's history. The feat was seen during the graduation of the second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, as she was awarded the prized 'Wings of Gold' by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air).

 

Poonia’s induction into the fighter stream of naval aviation represents a significant stride under the Navy’s ‘Nari Shakti’ initiative, which aims to foster a culture of equality and opportunity across all ranks and roles.

 

Breaking Barriers in Blue Waters

Name: Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia

 

Achievement: First woman to be streamed into the fighter pilot cadre of Indian Naval Aviation

 

Training: Completed Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega

 

Aircraft She Can Fly: MiG-29K or the carrier-based version of the Rafale fighter jet

 

Background: BTech from Meerut, not military background

 

A New Era in Naval Aviation

While women officers have flown naval spy planes and helicopters previously, the induction of Poonia into the combat fighter stream marks a first for the Navy. Her achievement comes after previous break-throughs in the Indian Air Force (2016) and Indian Army (2021), firmly placing the Navy on the tri-service path to gender equity in combat aviation.

 

"Streaming of Sub Lt Astha Poonia into the Fighter Stream is proof of the Indian Navy's gender neutrality and promotion of Nari Shakti," said a Navy spokesperson.

 

Sources: Mathrubhumi, The Hans India, Indian Express, Times of India, The Hindu BusinessLine