Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia Makes History As First Woman Fighter Pilot In Indian Naval Aviation

Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy, marking a historic moment in naval aviation.

She may eventually fly the MiG-29K or the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet from India’s aircraft carriers, reported NDTV.

In a post on X, the Indian Navy said that this marks a "New Chapter in Naval Aviation".

"Slt Poonia becomes the First Woman Pilot to be streamed into the Fighter stream of NavalAviation - Shattering Barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy," it added.

The announcement came following the winging ceremony of the second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held on Thursday (3, July) .

The Indian Navy already includes women officers as pilots and air operations officers on maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters.

With Poonia entering the fighter stream, the Navy emphasized its commitment to gender inclusivity and “Nari Shakti,” aiming to build a culture of equal opportunity.

India currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

The MiG-29K is the naval version of a long-serving Indian Air Force fighter.