When Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh were commissioned as flying officers in the Indian Air Force, they created history as the first batch of women fighter pilots inducted in the country, a stream that was male-dominated since the dawn of Indian defence aviation.
Once again, they’re all set to have their names etched in the history books, for they will soon begin flying frontline fighter planes in next three weeks.
Presently, the women stalwarts are undergoing rigorous training before undertaking the responsibility of the combat jets.
“You will be glad to know that their performance has been on par with other pilots despite the strenuous and demanding nature of flying,” Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa proudly mentioned during a press conference.
According to a senior IAF official, who is part of the training team, the young women pilots would begin their combat jet flying operations from next month onwards, reports NDTV. At the moment, they are flying Hawk advanced jet trainer aircrafts.
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The IAF chief also stated that the next batch of women trainee pilots for the fighter stream that was shortlisted in July is already undergoing stage-2 fighter pilot training. “On successful completion of the training, the three women fighter pilots will be commissioned into the fighter stream in December this year,” Dhanoa added.
With government motioning the induction of women in fighter stream last year, scores of girls and young women in the country can now work towards achieving their dream of becoming fighter pilots and as IAF motto goes, touch the sky with glory.
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