Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has made history by becoming the first woman to enter the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Navy, marking a monumental step forward for gender inclusivity in the armed forces. With this groundbreaking achievement, she joins the ranks of elite aviators who may one day fly advanced combat jets like the MiG-29K, a carrier-based fighter aircraft.
Sub Lt Poonia was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air), recognizing her outstanding accomplishment. This milestone not only represents personal triumph but also underscores the Indian Navy’s growing commitment to empowering women under the national vision of Nari Shakti (Women Power).
Women officers have already been serving in the Indian Navy in maritime reconnaissance roles, but Sub Lt Poonia’s induction into the fighter stream breaks a significant barrier—symbolizing that women are just as capable of excelling in high-pressure combat roles as their male counterparts.
Globally, several navies have embraced the inclusion of women in combat aviation. In the United States, women have been flying combat aircraft from aircraft carriers since the 1990s. The Royal Navy of Britain and the Royal Air Force (RAF) also have women combat jet pilots. Israel lifted restrictions on women in combat aviation in 1995, and women there have since taken part in numerous operational missions. Even China has begun recruiting women into its naval aviation programs, including the fighter pilot stream.
Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia’s achievement is more than just a personal accolade—it’s a defining moment in the Indian Navy’s evolving journey toward equality, opportunity, and excellence.
