After IAF, Indian Navy Assigns First Woman Officer To Fighter Stream
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia joined the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala via a short-service commission entry after perusing her BTech.
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman inducted into the Indian Navy's fighter stream, the Indian Navy said in an official statement on Friday.
Breaking all the barriers and setting an example of women empowerment, she also received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air).
'On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air)," the official statement said.
'SLt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman 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," it added.
Who Is Astha Poonia?
– Sub Lt Aastha Poonia will undergo advanced training in the fighter stream, flying Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) for the next year.
– Upon successful completion, she will be eligible to fly MiG-29K fighter jets from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers.
– She received the 'Wings of Gold' during the event marking the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at the Naval Air Station, INS Dega, in Visakhapatnam.
– The Indian Navy in an official statement said that Poonia's induction highlights its 'commitment towards gender inclusivity in naval aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity."
– Poonia joined the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala via a short-service commission entry after perusing her BTech.
– While Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia sets a precedent in the Indian Navy, women have already made significant strides in the Indian Air Force. The IAF, the world's fourth-largest air force, opened its fighter stream to women in 2016—a landmark decision in India's military history.
– Currently, around 25 women serve as fighter pilots in the IAF, flying advanced combat aircraft and contributing to a more inclusive future in the armed forces.
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First Published:
July 05, 2025, 08:51 IST
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