aastha poonia: Aastha Poonia became the first female fighter pilot of the Navy

National desk:

Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot of the Indian Navy. She may eventually fly the MiG-29K or the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet off India's aircraft carriers.

The navy announced this following the winging or graduation ceremony of the second basic Hawk conversion course. India trains military pilots in the Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer, inducted in 2013.

"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 said in a statement.

"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 said.