Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy, receiving her ‘Wings of Gold’ on July 3, 2025, at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
This historic achievement, officially announced by the Navy, signifies a major step forward for gender inclusivity in India’s armed forces. Poonia will now undertake advanced training, potentially leading to her flying MiG-29K or Rafale-M fighter jets from Indian aircraft carriers.
Navy officials, defence experts, and advocates for women’s empowerment have widely praised this milestone as a catalyst for positive change.
Breaking Stereotypes: Aastha Poonia’s Journey to the Cockpit
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia, a 24-year-old engineering graduate from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, joined the Indian Navy through the short-service commission route. Her journey has been marked by determination and excellence, culminating in her graduation from the second basic Hawk conversion course.
The ceremony at INS Dega was attended by top naval brass, including Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, who personally congratulated Poonia and her fellow graduates. “This is a proud moment for the Indian Navy and a testament to our commitment to gender equality and operational excellence,” Rear Admiral Bevli said.
Poonia’s achievement follows months of rigorous training on the Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer, a platform that has been the backbone of India’s military pilot training since 2013.
Her next phase involves a year of advanced training, after which she may be assigned to fly frontline fighters like the MiG-29K or the naval variant of the Rafale, both of which operate from India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Charting a New Course: Women in Combat Roles
Until recently, women in the Indian Navy were largely restricted to non-combat aviation roles, such as piloting reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters. The Indian Air Force first opened combat roles to women in 2016, and today, more than 20 women serve as fighter pilots in the IAF.
The Navy’s decision to allow women into the fighter stream is part of a broader shift towards inclusivity, aligning with national efforts to modernise the armed forces and promote ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power). This comes at a time when India is making significant investments in defence, including major acquisitions of advanced fighter jets and indigenous technologies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated, “The induction of women in all roles is a matter of pride and a necessity for a modern, capable military.” Poonia’s success is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in military aviation, challenging stereotypes and expanding the talent pool for India’s defence services.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia’s historic accomplishment is a beacon of hope and progress, not just for the Indian Navy but for the entire nation. The Logical Indian salutes her courage, perseverance, and the Navy’s commitment to breaking barriers.
Her story embodies the values of meritocracy, equal opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As India continues to modernise and diversify its armed forces, it is vital that we create more pathways for women to excel in every field especially those that have been traditionally male-dominated.
Poonia’s journey reminds us that true strength lies in diversity and inclusion. How can we, as a society, further support and encourage young women to break new ground in fields like defence, science, and technology?
