Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia becomes Indian Navy’s first woman fighter pilot

In a landmark moment for gender equality in the armed forces, Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia became the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Navy. She was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ alongside Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam on Thursday, July 3,2025. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), who conferred the honours. The Indian Navy described the milestone as “A new chapter in Naval aviation,” celebrating Poonia’s entry into the elite Fighter stream—a domain previously dominated by men. “Streaming of SLt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity,” said the Defence Ministry in a statement. The achievement comes amid increasing representation of women in the Indian Armed Forces. During recent press briefings on Operation Sindoor, officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stood as powerful symbols of women’s growing role in India’s defence landscape.