Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia’s achievement not only highlights her personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aspiring to join the elite ranks of naval aviation.
By Pravin Kumar
In a groundbreaking achievement for gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has etched her name in history as the first woman to be inducted into the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Navy.
This landmark moment, celebrated during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course on July 3 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, marks a significant step toward inclusivity and the empowerment of women in combat roles under the banner of Nari Shakti (women power).
On Thursday, July 3, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia, alongside Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull, was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), in a ceremony attended by senior officers, instructors, and families.
The ‘Wings of Gold’ symbolize their successful completion of the rigorous Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer course, a critical step for naval aviators preparing to operate high-performance fighter jets such as the MiG-29K or the naval variant of the Rafale, which form the backbone of India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
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The Indian Navy hailed Poonia’s induction as a historic milestone, stating, “Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.” This achievement builds on the Navy’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusivity, as women have already been serving as pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters. However, Poonia’s entry into the fighter stream breaks a significant glass ceiling, aligning with global trends where several countries have integrated women into naval fighter pilot roles.
The Hawk 132, in use since 2013 for training Indian military pilots, equips aviators with the skills needed for high-stakes combat missions. Poonia’s training on this advanced jet trainer underscores her readiness to take on the challenges of operating fighter jets from aircraft carriers, a role that demands precision, resilience, and exceptional skill. Her achievement not only highlights her personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aspiring to join the elite ranks of naval aviation.
The Indian Navy’s commitment to Nari Shakti was further emphasized by a Navy spokesperson, who noted, “Streaming of Sub Lt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy’s dedication to fostering a culture of equality and opportunity in Naval Aviation.” This milestone follows the Indian Air Force’s pioneering move in 2016, when Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh became the first women fighter pilots, and reflects a broader trend of increasing women’s participation in combat and technical roles across the Indian Armed Forces.
