From Mig-21 to Tejas, how these brave women of India created history in the sky

International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to promote women's rights, equality and empowerment. Women have proved their strength in every field, but when the first female fighter pilot was inducted into the Indian Air Force, it was a historic moment. Avani Chaturvedi, Bhavana Kant and Mohana Singh created a new record by joining the Indian Air Force's fighter pilot training program. These three brave women are today flying fighter planes to protect the country and are inspiring everyone with their courage.  

India's first women fighter pilots  

Avani Chaturvedi, Bhavana Kant and Mohana Singh achieved the honour of becoming the first female fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. These three are the first female pilots of India to fly fighter aircraft and they took a big leap towards gender equality by making their place in the male-dominated Air Force. Squadron Leader Mohana Singh had the honour of becoming the first female fighter pilot to join the 18th 'Flying Bullets' Squadron of India's indigenous fighter aircraft LCA Tejas. Avani Chaturvedi and Bhavana Kant are now flying Su-30MKI fighter jets and are making a significant contribution to the security of the country.  

 Mohana Singh -First 'Tejas' female fighter pilot  

Mohana Singh hails from Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. She belongs to a military family. Her father Pratap Singh Jitarwal has served as a Master Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, while her grandfather was awarded the Vir Chakra. In 2019, Mohana Singh became the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force to achieve full operational status on the Hawk Mk.132 advanced jet trainer. So far, she has flown over 380 hours and has specialized in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. In 2023, she had the distinction of becoming the first woman fighter pilot to join the LCA Tejas fighter jet squadron.

Who inspired her to come into this field

Avani Chaturvedi, who hails from Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, started her brilliant career in the Indian Air Force. Since childhood, she had a dream of flying in the sky, which she fulfilled with hard work and dedication. Avani did B.Tech from Banasthali University, Rajasthan and during this time joined the flying club. She completed her training at the Hyderabad Air Force Academy and became one of the first female pilots of the Indian Air Force. In 2018, Avani Chaturvedi created history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly the MiG-21 Bison solo. Her brother is an officer in the Indian Army, who inspired her to come into this field.  

Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kant

Bhavana Kant is known for her outstanding services in the Indian Air Force. She joined the fighter squadron in 2017 and took her first solo flight of the MiG-21 Bison in March 2018. Bhavana Kant achieved the distinction of becoming the first female fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day parade. She is currently posted at a fighter base in the western sector and is increasing the strength of the Indian Air Force. By joining the Indian Air Force, these three women pilots proved that women are no less than men in any field. Their hard work, courage and dedication promoted gender equality in the Indian Army and today they have become a source of inspiration for young women.