The Indian Navy is set to have its first female fighter pilot next year, opening a new path for women in naval aviation.
New Delhi: A historic chapter is about to be added to the history of the Indian Navy next year. Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia, a resident of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is soon to become the Indian Navy's first female fighter pilot. Astha has completed her basic aviation training and has been selected for the fighter stream. Now, she will undergo a year of rigorous and specialized fighter training, after which she will officially be known as the Indian Navy's first female fighter pilot.
Astha's Luck Shines After Receiving Wings of Gold
Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia completed her initial training at the Air Force Academy, which is also the center for basic training for naval aviation cadets. After this, at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, Astha passed the Basic Hawk Conversion Course (BHCC), after which she was awarded the 'Wings of Gold'. This is considered a major achievement in naval aviation.
After being selected for the fighter stream, Astha will now undergo specialized training for the next 12 months, in which she will be taught the skills to fly fighter jets operating over the sea, such as the MiG-29K or the Rafale-M, which may be included in the future.
The Dream of Flying Since Childhood
Astha Poonia, a resident of Meerut, completed her schooling from Meerut itself. Since childhood, her dream was to serve the country wearing a uniform and to fly in the sky. This passion brought her to the Indian Navy. According to her family members, Astha has always excelled in both studies and sports. After joining the Navy, she proved herself in training with hard work and dedication, with which she succeeded in reaching the seat of the first female fighter pilot.
A New Chapter for Women in the Navy
So far, women in the Indian Navy have been helicopter pilots or pilots of Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, but the selection of a female pilot in the fighter stream has happened for the first time. This makes it clear that the Navy is also taking b steps towards gender equality. This will not only be an inspiration for future generations but will also give the daughters of the country the message that they can prove themselves in every challenging role.
Currently, the Indian Navy has 49 MiG-29K fighter aircraft, which operate from aircraft carriers. Their deployment is extremely important for the protection of maritime borders. Recently, an agreement was also signed between India and France to purchase 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, which includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater fighters. Pilots like Astha Poonia will be trained to operate these state-of-the-art aircraft in the future, which will increase the Navy's strength many times over.
Astha Becomes an Inspiration for Women
This achievement of Astha Poonia is an example for every Indian girl. Astha, by stepping into fighter aviation, which was considered a field for men so far, not only broke the tradition but also proved that women also have the same courage and skill that is required of a fighter pilot.
Astha had said in an interview, "I always dreamed that I would fly for the country in the blue sky. I am proud that I am now fulfilling this dream for the Indian Navy." The Indian Navy has taken several important steps in recent years to increase the participation of women officers. By giving women officers the opportunity to be deployed on warships, roles in submarine naval operations, and now as fighter pilots, the Navy has shown a major change.
