Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary’s achievement as the Border Security Force’s (BSF) first woman flight engineer is a landmark event reflecting both progress in gender inclusivity and a boost in the force’s operational capabilities.

Awarded flying badges in a ceremony presided over by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, she joined four male officers who completed the same rigorous training. This story delves into the details of this historic accomplishment, its significance, and the broader context of women’s evolving roles in India’s paramilitary forces.

Breaking New Ground: The Flight Engineer Milestone

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary became the first woman to earn flight engineer status in the BSF air wing after completing a demanding, two-month in-house training program designed to address a critical shortage. This initiative came amid limited training opportunities with the Indian Air Force (IAF), which traditionally conducted all flight engineer instruction.

The program, which began in August 2025, included approximately 130 hours of practical and operational sessions aboard Mi-17 helicopters, widely used by the BSF for a variety of missions.

Alongside Chaudhary, four male subordinate officers successfully completed the course and were awarded flying badges. The training involved not only flying skills but also intense technical knowledge and emergency response drills, ensuring the new flight engineers are capable of critical in-flight operations.

Speaking at the ceremony, DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary praised the group’s dedication and resilience. He remarked, “Their success is a testament to the BSF’s evolving aviation capabilities and commitment to gender inclusivity.

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary’s accomplishment is a proud moment for all of us.” Inspector Chaudhary expressed gratitude to her instructors and peers, acknowledging the challenges she overcame and the support that helped her reach this goal.

BSF Air Wing: Historical and Operational Importance

The BSF air wing was established in 1969 with the purpose of bolstering the paramilitary force’s operational reach and responsiveness. Historically, the wing has been staffed predominantly by male officers, with a significant emphasis on surveillance, transportation, and special missions including disaster relief.

The air wing operates several aircraft models, such as Mi-17 helicopters, Cheetah light helicopters, ALH Dhruv, and the Embraer jet dedicated to VIP and special operations.

With an active strength of around three lakh personnel, the BSF is tasked not only with guarding India’s borders but also supporting central and state operations internally. The air wing plays a strategic role in this by facilitating rapid mobility, aerial surveillance, and logistical support.

Inspector Chaudhary’s induction as the first female flight engineer stands as a historic milestone in this context. It signals a shift towards more inclusive recruitment and operational policies within the BSF, aligning with wider changes happening across Indian armed forces and paramilitary units that are increasingly integrating women into combat and technical roles.

Training Challenges and Achievements

The decision to conduct in-house training for flight engineers was driven by practical constraints, including limited slots with the Indian Air Force’s training facilities. The BSF air wing’s instructors developed a comprehensive curriculum focusing on both the technical and operational aspects of flight engineering.

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary and her fellow trainees participated in numerous sorties that enhanced their situational awareness and practical skill sets. Notably, they were involved in recent flood relief missions in Punjab, which tested their abilities under real operational conditions.

The training included simulated emergencies, helicopter avionics management, and coordination with pilots and ground control, ensuring that graduates are fully equipped for the demanding responsibilities flight engineers assume during missions.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective: Fostering Inclusive Progress

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary’s accomplishment transcends individual success; it epitomizes a broader societal and institutional transformation. Such breakthroughs are essential to dismantling long-standing gender barriers in India’s defence and paramilitary sectors, where women have historically been underrepresented.

By recognising and celebrating this milestone, we endorse values of equality, respect, and empathy that should permeate all sectors of society. The BSF’s move to create opportunities for women in technically challenging and leadership roles serves as a powerful example for other institutions.