For the first time in Indian history, the woman fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has been declared ‘mission fit’ for the Light Combat Aircraft – LCA Tejas fighter plane. This important achievement is not only about her individual achievement, but also the emerging of a new chapter in the IAF that supports female aviators and combat personnel.
A Pioneer in the Sky
Mohana Singh’s story started about a period of eight years back when she was selected as the first woman fighter pilot in India in the IAF fighter squadron. With her peers Avni Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, she has been a pioneer of the movement that led to the integration of women into the fighter stream. Looking at the horizon of 2016, this decision was perhaps one of the biggest landmark decisions in the military history of India paving path for the women in the country who want to fight like men.
Today, Mohana Singh, Chaturvedi and Kanth are not only icons, they are at the frontier of space, flying machines of the present generation like the Su-30MKi and the LCA Tejas. Their participation in these complicated platforms proves the efforts of the IAF to include women in the most challenging positions.
Table of Contents
Recent Achievements
More recently, Mohana Singh became part of recent history by participating in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur. This comprehensive warfare exercise with her saw her flying alongside the three Vice Chiefs of Armed Forces thereby again and again reminding everyone that women are indispensable to the Indian Armed Forces. The Tarang Shakti exercise included the presence of countries like Australia, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE, Japan, Singapore, USA etc rendering that India is expanding its defense cooperation across the globe.
Also, during the exercise the IAF displayed its preparedness for operations and the sophistication of its combat force. I found Mohana Singh’s participation was more so because her placement represented the fact that women could also rise to heights in the military personnel and open doors for the future generations.
A Shift Towards Liberalisation and The IAF: The Increasing Presence and Progress of Women
Today, Indian Air Force has almost 20 women fighter aircrafts pilots and their number is increasing every day as the Indian Air Force encourages women to join it and provide them opportunities for all kinds of jobs. This is not only due to the change in the approaches of the society towards women in combat but also because of the need for the armed forced organizations in this context to improve their operational capabilities.
The most significant development that has occurred to the situation is the IAF’s decision to open the fighter stream to women. Not only have they been able to prove themselves but it has also pushed the organizations to make efforts for equality in the ranks. There are also allowed to take part in selected categories, previously mystery to them, like Garud commando force, provided that the selected requirements are accomplished, thus widening their opportunities in the military.
Read Also – Prime Minister Narendra Modi first 100 days of his third term
The Recently launched Agnipath scheme and the role of Women in Forces
On a larger note, it has also brought changes in the recruitment process in Indian military force through implementing the ‘Agnipath’ scheme. In the year 2022, the IAF completed the 50th year of operations and the first batch of women Agniveers was trained and commissioned into the armed forces in December on 2nd 2022 to recruit youngsters for short term service in the defense force. The Passing Out Parade was at the Airmen Training School in Belagavi in Karnataka where 153 Agniveer vayu women had trained and passed out for joining the Indian Air Force.
Agnipath scheme for recruitment of youths in the armed forces is far more effective than the conventional remuneration as it provides the flexibility needed to recruit young talents, eager to serve their nation, including women. Besides, it recruits more young and talented employees while also diversifying the demographics of the military.
Looking to the Future
Claiming that the IAF is still developing, the experience of such heroes as Mohana Singh will kindle the desire in other women to become pilots and serve in different military branches. Thus, steps for gender equality within armed forces not only tightens them up, but also add to the inherent strength of the military family.
Mohana Singh’s historic flight in the LCA Tejas is a powerful symbol of progress and possibility. It reflects a future where gender is no longer a barrier to achieving excellence and where women can fly high—literally and figuratively—in every aspect of service. As the IAF continues to embrace change and inclusivity, the sky is truly the limit for aspiring female pilots in India.
