FIRST WOMAN NAVY FIGHTER PILOT TRAINEE – SUB LT AASTHA POONIA

Current Context: Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia became the first woman inducted into the Indian Navy’s fighter pilot stream, completing her Hawk training and earning her “Wings of Gold” at INS Dega, Vizag.

About Aastha Poonia

• Completed the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course alongside Lt Atul Kumar Dhull.
• Will undergo ~1 year of fighter training to operate MiG‑29K off carriers like INS Vikramaditya/Vikrant; future possibility of flying Rafale M or DRDO’s TEDBF.
• Marked a pioneering shift in Indian naval aviation—women previously served in maritime patrol and helicopter roles only.