In a historic first for the Indian Navy, Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has been selected for the fighter stream, making her the Navy’s first woman fighter pilot trainee.

She was awarded the prestigious “Wings of Gold” on July 3, 2025, marking a significant step towards greater inclusion of women in combat roles.

Key Highlights:

• Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia completed the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, qualifying her for the fighter pilot stream.
• She received the “Wings of Gold” during a ceremonial event, becoming eligible for further training on carrier-based fighter jets like the MiG-29K and naval Rafale.
• Her induction into the fighter stream is a milestone in the Indian Navy’s efforts to promote gender equality and expand women’s roles in frontline combat aviation.
• The Indian Navy has previously inducted women into helicopter and maritime reconnaissance streams, but Poonia is the first in the fighter jet category.
• Her achievement reflects the Navy’s commitment to the “Nari Shakti” initiative and paves the way for future women officers in high-intensity combat aviation roles.