In a historic feat, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami became the first woman officer to lead the Indian Air Force Day Parade. The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates 91st anniversary on October 8, and this year, the occasion is marked by several noteworthy firsts, including the historic moment of a female officer leading the parade. The Air Force Day Parade is taking place at Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj, with an air display on the banks of the Triveni Sangam later in the day.

 

Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, a helicopter pilot, makes history by commanding the Indian Air Force Day parade. This marks her second groundbreaking achievement, as she became the first woman to assume command of a frontline IAF combat unit in March, where she currently leads a missile squadron in the western sector.

ALSO READ: Israel-Gaza Conflict: How Hamas' Surprise Land-Air-Sea Attack Caught Israel Off Guard

Commissioned into the IAF in 2003, Dhami is a qualified flying instructor with over 2,800 hours of flying experience.

Group Captain Dhami's remarkable journey as an IAF pilot and commander, along with the inclusion of an all-women contingent and Garud commandos in the parade, underscores the Indian Air Force's commitment to diversity and equality within its ranks.

Group Captain Shaliza Dhami leads IAF Day parade. (Image Source:X/AIR)

“Also for the first time, the parade will have an all-women contingent consisting of the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu, who shall march shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. The parade also includes a flight of Garud commandos for the first time,” IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ashish Moghe said on Sunday.

Recommended For You

Women in uniform are now taking on central roles previously held primarily by their male counterparts. They are actively involved in flying fighter planes, serving aboard warships, being inducted into the personnel below officer rank (PBOR) cadre, eligible for permanent commission, and undergoing training at the National Defence Academy.

ALSO READ: IAF Celebrates 91st Anniversary With New Ensign And Air Show In Prayagraj

Both the IAF and the Navy have opened opportunities for women officers to join their special forces units, such as the Garud commando force and Marine Commandos, as long as they meet the selection criteria.

 

At the Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj, the IAF unveiled its new ensign, a significant change that aims to better reflect the organisation's values. This comes 72 years after a similar exercise was last undertaken.


Also In News