The Ministry of Defence has announced the decision to convert the experimental scheme for induction of women fighter pilots into a permanent scheme.
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who took to social media to announce the decision of February 1, said that the decision was a testimony to the capability of India’s Nari Shakti.
He tweeted, “The MoD has decided to convert the Experimental Scheme for Induction of Women Fighter Pilots in the Indian Air Force into a permanent scheme.
It is a testimony to the capability of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ and our PM Shri @narendramodi’s commitment towards women empowerment.”
As part of the experimental scheme launched in 2016, 16 pilots have been commissioned.
Three women fighter pilots were inducted into the first batch. In six years, the number has gone up to 16 women pilots flying fighter jets like Rafale, Su30 MKI, and MiG 21 Bison, according to news reports.
In the armed forces, the combat roles were once a male domain. They opened up for women during the previous NDA rule in 2015.
During 2022 Republic Day, the parade had the first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh seen on the IAF tableau. Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
