First batch of women fighter pilots to be inducted in IAF on 18th June

Central Government recently allowed permission to induct women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force. With this background, first batch of women fighter pilots were given special training. Three women fighter pilots who have completed this training successfully will be joining the IAF on 18^th June.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar might be present for this historical event of induction of women fighter pilots unit in IAF.Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha proposed giving responsibility of fighter jets to women pilots on the occasion of 83^rdFoundation Day of IAF. Last year Central Government gave the permission for appointing women as fighter pilots.

Based on this, from October 2015 special training of flying jets has been started for women pilots. At the very first, six women showed their interest in becoming fighter pilots. Among these- Bhavana Kant, Mohana Singh and Awani Chaturvedi, these three women passed all the hindrances to become the fighter pilots. It is decided that inclusion of these three, in very first batch of fighter women pilots will happen on 18^th June. After a further completing one year of special training till June 2017, these women pilots will be ready to fly fighter jets. Advanced training with the help of ‘Advanced Hawk Trainer’ will be given to these three lady pilots at ‘Bidar’ in Karnataka, after inclusion in the IAF unit. After completing this milestone, these three will be getting a chance to fly actual supersonic jets.