• Source:JND
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The Indian Navy on Friday stated that Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to join as the Navy's fighter pilot. The Navy confirmed that Poonia had successfully passed the Basic 'Hawk Conversion Course' at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. It further stated that the Indian Navy is dedicated to giving equal opportunities to the women, adding that Poonia's inclusion will break the barriers for more women of the country. The reports suggest that Poonia is likely to fly the MiG-29K or the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet.

"On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air)," the navy stated. "Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman... in the fighter stream of naval aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the navy," it added.

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While the Navy had already included women officers as pilots in maritime aircraft and officers, Poonia has become the first woman fighter pilot. "Streaming of Sub Lt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy's commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting 'Nari Shakti,' fostering a culture of equality and opportunity", a Navy spokesperson was quoted as saying by Social News.

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The Indian armed forces have focused on training women in the past few years, especially after 2020. The reports suggest that there has been a significant surge in female officer recruitment since 2020. There is a surge of 15 per cent in the number of women joining combat and technical branches of the armed forces. Under the initiative 'Nari Shakti,' the armed forces have trained several women officers in the past few years.