In a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has become the first woman to be inducted into the fighter stream of the Indian Navy’s Naval Aviation. She received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ at the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, on July 3, 2025.
Her achievement marks a significant step toward gender inclusion in combat roles, allowing her to move forward with specialized training to qualify as a fighter pilot. Once trained, she may operate advanced jets like the MiG-29K or Rafale-M from carriers such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
This milestone reflects the Navy’s commitment to the ‘Nari Shakti’ vision and mirrors the progress made in the Army and Air Force, where women have already entered combat aviation. Aastha’s induction showcases the Navy’s shift toward a more inclusive force and inspires the next generation of women in defense.
