India's First Women Fighter Pilots – A Story of Courage and Inspiration
Breaking Barriers in the Indian Air Force
India’s first women fighter pilots – Avani Chaturvedi, Bhavana Kanth, and Mohana Singh – have made history by breaking gender barriers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). They were inducted into the IAF’s fighter pilot program in 2016, becoming the first women in the country to fly combat aircraft. Their journey is an inspiration to aspiring young women who wish to serve the nation. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a look at their achievements and how they have paved the way for future generations.
Mohana Singh – The First Woman to Fly the Indigenous Tejas Fighter Jet
Mohana Singh created history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly India’s indigenous LCA Tejas fighter jet. She joined the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, which operates the Tejas aircraft. Her squadron leader colleagues, Bhavana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, currently fly the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. Mohana Singh, born in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, comes from a military family. Her father, Pratap Singh Jitarwal, was a retired IAF Master Warrant Officer, and her grandfather was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.
Avani Chaturvedi and Bhavana Kanth – Trailblazers in the Sky
Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison solo, making her a role model for young women in aviation. She hails from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and completed her engineering degree before joining the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. Inspired by her brother, who serves in the Indian Army, she set her sights on becoming a fighter pilot. Meanwhile, Bhavana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot to take part in India’s Republic Day parade, marking another milestone in women’s empowerment in defense. She joined the fighter squadron in 2017 and flew her first solo flight in a MiG-21 Bison in 2018.
Their achievements prove that with determination and the right opportunities, women can excel in any field. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their courage and dedication to protecting the nation!
